Nebraska Extension will offer an introductory crop scout training Tuesday, May 19 for industry representatives and corn and soybean growers looking to strengthen their pest management and field scouting skills.
Designed for entry-level scouts working with crop consultants, agronomists and farm service centers, the training is also a good fit for growers who scout their own fields and students preparing for agribusiness roles.
The in-person course will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:40 p.m., with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m., at the Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center near Mead, Nebraska.
“We look forward to providing participants a hands-on, in-person experience focusing on important crop scouting skills,” said Nebraska Extension Educator Aaron Nygren.
Topics will include:
- Scouting tips and techniques
- Hands-on field practice
- Corn and soybean growth and development
- Crop disease identification
- Weed identification, including morphology and seedling keys
- Corn and soybean insect scouting, identification and management
- Nutrient deficiencies in corn and soybean
Participants will gain practical, field-based experience to improve scouting accuracy and decision-making throughout the growing season. Past attendees have consistently rated the training highly, noting improvements in scouting confidence and field identification skills.
The cost is $115 and includes lunch, refreshments, workshop materials and a three-ring binder instruction manual with reference resources. A reduced registration fee of $75 is available for those who do not wish to receive the manual.
Pre-registration is required by Friday, May 15 to reserve a seat and ensure materials and meals are available.
For more information, contact Aaron Nygren or Nebraska Extension at (402) 624-8030.
Nebraska Extension is in the university's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
