Growers and industry representatives wanting to learn how to better manage corn and soybean pests are encouraged to register for Nebraska Extension’s Field Crop Scout Training May 10 at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center, formerly the Agricultural Research and Development Center near Mead.

“The training is designed for entry-level scouts who are working for crop consultants, industry agronomists or farm service centers in Nebraska and neighboring states,” said Keith Glewen, Nebraska Extension educator.  The course is ideal for growers who scout their own fields or are interested in improving productivity, as well as for students working for agribusinesses, Glewen said.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. with training from 8:25 a.m. to 5 p.m. Topics include:

• how corn and soybean plants grow and develop;
• soybean and corn insect management;
• using plant morphology and a seedling identification key to identify weeds;
• crop diseases; and a
• nutrient deficiency quiz.



"Some of the benefits registrants stated the training provided included practical/working knowledge and better accuracy in field scouting," Glewen said. "Other participants appreciated the hands-on, practical format."



Information and Registration

Cost for the program is $165, which includes lunch, refreshment breaks, workshop materials and the instruction manual. Attendees should preregister to reserve their seat and to ensure workshop materials are available the day of the training session. Updated reference materials are included in this year's take-home instruction manual.

Certified Crop Advisor continuing education credits are available with 6 in pest management, 1 in crop management, and 0.5 in fertility/nutrient management.


For more information or to register, contact Nebraska Extension at (402) 624-8030, (800) 529-8030, e-mail Keith Glewen at kglewen1@unl.edu, or online at http://ardc.unl.edu/crop.shtml.