Joel DeJong, Field Agronomist
For more than 25 years Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Northwest Iowa has held “Crop Advantage” conferences across Iowa, normally attracting about 2,000 participants annually. We could not offer that series in January of 2021, but it is returning for 2022!
At these conferences, ISU Extension and Outreach specialists and field agronomists present the latest crop production research and information for the upcoming growing seasons to producers, agronomists, and industry leaders. There is no other program in our crop production education year that we can bring this many extension specialists together to individual sites across the state like we are able to do with Crop Advantage meetings. Historically, 84 percent of attendees responding to follow-up surveys said information from Crop Advantage would likely save them between $5 and $20 per acre.
ISU Extension and Outreach specialists will travel to 14 locations around Iowa from Jan. 4-27 for the “Crop Advantage” series, providing a variety of topics, updated management options and recommendations on current crop production issues. Continuing educations credits for Certified Crop Advisers and pesticide safety recertification are included as part of the day.
In Northwest Iowa, locations include Sheldon on Jan. 4, Storm Lake on the fifth, Okoboji on Jan. 11, and LeMars on Jan. 26. Each site has a slightly different agenda, so check with your local Extension office for location details or go to www.cropadvantage.org. Key issues for 2022 will be addressed by two morning keynote speakers, followed with your choice of several optional workshops presented during the afternoon. A registration price discount is available if registering at that web page at least a week in advance of the conferences. Keynote presenters at all Northwest Iowa locations will be Ag Economist Chad Hart discussing the “2022 Crop Market Outlook” and Extension Entomologist Erin Hodgson discussing corn rootworm management.
Last winter, due to COVID-19, we were unable to do live programs such as the Crop Advantage series. In response, we created a successful virtual alternative called CropsTV. For those who don’t wish to attend live events, or like the convenience of watching online from your own home on your own schedule, CropsTV is returning for a second season. Select from 30 pre-recorded topics from ISU faculty, staff, and guest presenters. Topics are selected from the Integrated Crop Management Conference, Crop Advantage Series or exclusive to CropsTV. Ten episodes will be released every 2 weeks, starting Jan. 3, and will be available for viewing through March 15. Up to 30 CCA continuing education units available. Here is the website for more program details, cost, and registration information: http://www.aep.iastate.edu/cropstv/. In addition to these opportunities, ISU Extension and Outreach will also offer “Planter University” on Feb. 7 at the Northwest Iowa Research Farm near Calumet. This event will be a company-neutral (not focused on one equipment brand) learning opportunity to help you continue to better understand and optimize your planting setup. The focus won’t be on telling you what settings you should be running, but rather the theory behind planting equipment and new planting technology allowing you to evaluate and identify the right setting for you, your seed, your field, and your equipment setup. Discussion will be led by ISU Ag and Biosystems Engineering Technical Project Specialists. Registration is limited to allow for hands on demonstrations with both high speed and traditional row unit demo stands. More info available at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/planter/index.html.
Winter is the time for learning and improving your crop production skills. Consider these options for sharpening those skills!