The 2016 Integrated Crop Management (ICM) Conference will be held Nov. 30-Dec. 1 at the Scheman Building on the Iowa State University campus in Ames. This year’s agenda is packed full with 45 presentations on research updates and crop production information for farmers, industry, ag retailers, agronomists and educators. Several ISU faculty and Extension specialists will speak at the conference. In addition, there are speakers from four other state universities: Purdue University, University of Arkansas, University of Wyoming and University of Illinois.

REGISTER NOW: The 2016 ICM Conference at ISU in Ames will evaluate the ag economy and also present useful information on many current crop production topics and issues. Agenda features 45 speakers; you can save money by registering on or before November 18.

More workshops, speakers on the agenda than ever before
There are more workshops and speakers on the agenda for 2016 than in previous years to provide a well-rounded program, tailored to the needs of farmers and agribusiness professionals in Iowa. Alison Robertson, ISU associate professor and Extension plant pathologist, says having speakers from around the Midwest present at the event is one of the strengths of the ICM Conference.

“It’s a great opportunity for farmers and folks in agribusiness to be able to hear about current issues and what’s going on across the Midwest in addition to Iowa,” said Robertson. “We’ve received a lot of positive feedback for having guest speakers at the conference, so it’s something we continue to focus on each year.”

Many hot topics to be discussed at this year’s conference
Some of this year’s presentation topics include the crop market outlook, Palmer amaranth and weed management for 2017, spray equipment operation for emerging herbicide technology, pest resistance issues, nitrogen myths and realities, water quality, and new decision-making tools. An Iowa farmland market update takes a look at the current farmland market and compare the similarities and differences to the 1920s and 1980s farm crises. The conference is approved for continuing education credits (CEUs) for certified crop advisors (CCAs) and Iowa commercial pesticide applicator recertification for 2016.

Bringing in almost 1,000 attendees each of the past six years, the event is also a great opportunity to network with farmers and others in the ag industry. “Seeing and catching up with people in the industry you don’t get to see very often and interacting with faculty is another highlight of the conference,” Robertson adds.

Save money, early registration deadline is November 18
Early registration is $200 and ends midnight November 18. Registrations will be accepted as space allows, until November 28 at noon. “Enrollment is limited,” says Brent Pringnitz, conference coordinator. “Seats tend to fill up fast, so registering early will help secure your spot for this year.”

To register, go to the ICM Conference website aep.iastate.edu/icm. After November 18, registration cost increases to $250. Preregistration is required and no registrations will be accepted at the door. This website also has the conference program agenda with a list of speakers and topics.

For registration questions, contact ANR Program Services at [email protected] or 515-294-6429. The ICM Conference is hosted by ISU Extension and Outreach and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences.

Source: Iowa State University