AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will offer the Crop Advantage Series to producers at 14 locations across Iowa during January 2016. Locally, a meeting will be hosted on January 19th at the Cass County Community Center, 805 West 10th Street in Atlantic.
Each year, ISU Exension and Outreach specialists and field agronomists present the lastest crop production research and information for the upcoming growing seasons to producers, agronomists and industry leaders. This year’s Crop Advantage Series will focus on the importance of risk management programs and controlling costs.
“It’s important to discuss these topics as we are going into our second year of prices averaging below Iowa State’s estimated production costs,” said Chad Hart, associate professor in economics and grain markets specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Profits will be harder to come by and many producers will need to pay more attention to the financial side of their farm business.”
Each location features a full agenda of workshops that attendees can choose from to develop a personalized agenda. ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomists will present program topics focusing on local needs and production issues.
“We recognize that every farm situation is unique, so there’s isn’t one key piece of information,” said Hart. “We are providing a menu of strategies that producers can choose from as they look to control costs, maintain or enhance productivity and search for profitability.”
In addition to discussing the economic returns of crop production, extension field agronomists will present program topics focusing on local needs and production issues. Topics will include: crop market outlook, farm bill decisions, corn disease update, corn rootworm management, nitrogen recommendations, managing soybean Sudden Death Syndrome, herbicide and weed control, and many more.
“The Crop Advantage Series is a great format, as it is a chance to hear the latest on agronomic research, while also exploring the economic returns to crop production,” said Hart.
Over 2,000 producers participate in the regional Crop Advantage Series meetings each year. All meetings are approved for Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) continuing education credits, and every location offers the opportunity for private pesticide applicators to receive continuing education credits.
“Response from producers has been very positive, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in attendance for the series over the years. In addition to receiving the latest research information from the university, the meetings have been a valuable way for producers to provide input back to Iowa State researchers and specialists on what their needs are. It works both ways,” said Joel DeJong, field agronomist in northwest Iowa for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.
Early registration for each location is $50; late registration made less than seven days prior to the meeting or at the door is $60. Registration includes lunch, printed proceedings, private pesticide applicator recertification and CCA credits. Online registration and additional information is available at http://www.cropadvantage.org/ or from your local ISU Extension office.
For statewide locations, times, and program content, contact your local ISU Extension Office or visit www.cropadvantage.org. Local dates include:
January 13 – Ames
January 14 – Honey Creek
January 19 – Atlantic
January 28 – Carroll
Crop Advantage Series is presented by ISU Extension and Outreach with support from the Iowa Soybean Association and from the North Central SARE Program–Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education. For questions, contact ANR Program Services at (515) 294-6429, [email protected], or contact your local Iowa State University Extension field agronomist, Aaron Saeugling at [email protected] or (712) 769-2650.