The 2023 Crop Advantage meetings will give producers a solid foundation of current research-based crop production information to help make smart, informed decisions for their farming operation.

The meetings are an opportunity for farmers and crop advisers to hear current research and crop production information from Iowa State University. Extension specialists will travel to 14 locations around Iowa from Jan. 3 to 26, providing updated management options and recommendations on crop production issues facing Iowa growers.

Meetings include continuing education credits for certified crop advisers and pesticide applicator recertification. All sites offer private pesticide applicator continuing instruction, which is included in the registration fee.

Program educational

“There is no other program in our crop production education year where we are able to bring this many Extension specialists together to sites across the state. We’re excited to provide quality, in-person education farmers have come to expect,” says Meaghan Anderson, field agronomist with ISU Extension and Outreach.

More than 1,500 individuals attended one of 14 Crop Advantage meetings across the state in 2022, representing all 99 Iowa counties and surrounding states. Approximately 85% of attendees said information from Crop Advantage would likely save them between $5 and $20 per acre.

“Our goal is always to prepare producers to manage potential issues when they arise, or even before they arise, by sharing the most up-to-date scientific knowledge from ISU researchers,” Anderson says. “Each location’s program is unique, as content is driven by local needs and production issues.”

Program topics vary by location and are selected for regional issues. Topics on this year’s agenda include: tar spot in corn, the crop market outlook for 2023, changes to phosphorus and potassium guidelines, soybean gall midge, climate outlook, risks and rewards of ag carbon credits, weed management issues and many more.

For locations, times and program details visit aep.iastate.edu/cas.

Early registration for each location is $75; late registration made less than seven days prior to the meeting, or on-site, is $100. Registration includes lunch, private pesticide applicator recertification and CCA credits.

Online registration and additional information is available at aep.iastate.edu/cas. For questions, contact ANR Program Services at 515-294-6429 or [email protected], or contact your regional ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist.

Source: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach