Learning and action outcomes of 2017 Integrated Crop and Pest Management Update

Eighty-eight percent of participants increased their knowledge and awareness of MSU pest management recommendations, and 83 percent would implement these practices in 2018 on an estimated 194,430 acres of cropland at an average gain of $9.40 per acre.

The 20th annual Integrated Crop and Pest Management Update for Michigan Agribusiness was Dec. 20, 2017, at the Michigan State University Pavilion. There were 336 participants from 42 counties representing Michigan’s seed, fertilizer and pesticide dealerships, spray service providers, crop consultants and farmers. Few participants from Ohio, Indiana and Ontario, Canada, also attended. The topics were focused on upcoming MSU Extension recommendations for insect, disease, weed and fertilizer for 2018 field crops. Emerging challenges and new technologies to deal with insect, disease and weed resistance and nutrient management issues were addressed.

The timing of this event provided adequate time for companies to make year-end bulk purchasing and sales decisions. Participants received six MDARD pesticide certification credits, 6.5 Certified Crop Advisor credits and MAEAP phase 1 credit for this session.

The program was evaluated using a combination of Poll Everywhere and a post-event written feedback questionnaire. This survey indicated that 88 percent of participants increased their knowledge and awareness of MSU pest management recommendations as a result of this program. Eighty-three percent said they would implement these recommendations in 2018. They estimated that these practices would be implemented on 194,430 acres in 2018. The repeat attendees from the previous year’s program revealed that MSU pest management recommendation were actually implemented on 210,133 acres of cropland in 2017. The average gain in terms of increased revenues or added savings from implementing MSU recommendations was $9.40 per acre.

The successful outcome of this event, as reflected by its growing attendance and the short- and long-term outcomes, could be attributed to the reliable research based recommendations that MSU Extension is able to generate and deliver every year. This is a testament to the quality of our Extension faculty and educators, and the excellent collaboration and recognition we receive from Michigan corn, soybean and wheat commodity groups, Michigan agribusiness community and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).

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