By Andi Anderson
Iowa State University is organizing a Crop Diagnostics In-Season Training program on June 23 at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville. This event aims to help farmers, crop scouts, and agricultural professionals improve their skills in diagnosing crop problems and making better decisions during the growing season.
The training is conducted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and focuses on practical, field-based learning. Participants will gain hands-on experience, which makes it easier to understand real crop conditions and challenges. Such training is important because quick and correct decisions during the season can greatly impact crop health and final yield.
Several useful topics will be covered during the program. Attendees will learn how to use web-based tools to identify crop diseases more effectively. They will also practice digging and examining corn roots to check for rootworm damage, which is a common issue in many fields. Another important topic includes identifying nutrient deficiencies and understanding fertilizer spread patterns in crops.
The training will also explore modern techniques, such as the use of spray drones. Participants will learn how to improve the efficiency of these technologies, which are becoming increasingly common in agriculture. These sessions aim to provide practical knowledge that can be directly applied in the field.
“This program is built to give attendees practical, in-field experience they can take directly back,” said Rebecca Vittetoe, extension field agronomist. “It’s a great opportunity to sharpen diagnostic and scouting skills, learn from specialists and gain confidence in making in-season management decisions.”
The program will begin with check-in at 8:30 a.m., followed by training sessions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The cost to attend is 100 dollars, which includes lunch, refreshments, and learning materials. Certified Crop Advisers can also earn pest management and nutrient management credits.
Pre-registration is required, as space is limited to 40 participants. Overall, this training offers a valuable opportunity to improve field knowledge and crop management skills.
Photo Credit: iowa-state-university
Categories: Iowa, Education