Are the “kids” back on the farm?

MSU Extension’s IPM Academy on February 20-21 can bring the newest generation of farmers up to speed on pest management in a variety of cropping systems.

Are the kids grown and back looking to learn more about pest management? MSU Extension’s IPM Academy offers the perfect opportunity to bring the generation returning to the farm up to speed. We will focus on introducing the concepts of integrated pest management (IPM) and prepare participants to implement IPM on the farm or in the garden. The Academy is designed to assist newcomers to pest management but can be a valuable review for growers, nurserymen, gardeners, or landscapers looking to brush up their IPM skills or bring farm workers up to speed.

To kick things off, Dr. Barry Jacobsen from the Montana State University will deliver the keynote speech on the philosophy and history of IPM. Dr. Jacobsen is a world renowned IPM scholar and sits on the board of directors for the IPM Institute of North America. Additional topics covered on the first day will prepare participants to adopt the latest integrated pest management practices through introductory discussions covering entomology, scouting, plant pathology and more.

On the second day of the program, participants will have the opportunity to opt into two concurrent sessions that address pest and disease issues in the following cropping systems:

  • Blueberries
  • Field crops; corn and soybeans
  • Grapes
  • Hops
  • Pome fruit
  • Small grains and forages; wheat, alfalfa, and mixed hay
  • Stone fruit
  • Strawberries and raspberries
  • Vegetables; cucurbits, cole crops, onions, celery, and carrots
  • Vegetables; peas, beans, sweet corn, asparagus, tomatoes, and peppers
  • Woody ornamentals; conifers, and Christmas trees
  • Woody ornamentals; deciduous trees and shrubs

The Academy will be held February 20-21, 2012 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing, MI. Registration for this information-packed, two-day program is only $225 when you register between January 3 and February 13. Registration includes a notebook with handouts, breakfast, lunch, parking and Wi-Fi connection both days. Certified crop advisor credits (9) and pesticide recertification credits (16) will be available. Certified Green Industry Professional continuing education credits (7) will also be available.

Online registration is open and space is limited. Visit the IPM Academy website to register, learn more about the program or download the IPM Academy agenda. Preregistration is required, walk-ins cannot be accommodated. For more information, contact Erin Lizotte at 231-944-6504.

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