Business : 12th Annual Crop Advantage Conference in Waterloo on January 24

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is hosting its annual Crop Advantage Conference on January 24 at the Hawkeye Community College (Tama Hall), 1501 E. Orange Road, in Waterloo. Registration begins at 8:30 am. The first session begins at 9:00 am with Matt O’Neal, ISU Entomologist, on dealing with corn rootworm resistance to Bt traits.

Other topics of interest to farmers and agricultural providers include crop market outlook for 2013; crop nutrient management for 2013; corn management in a dry year: lessons from 2012; new and old tools to manage herbicide resistance; crop disease update; the revised corn suitability rating: CSR2; tillage and residue management; foliar fungicides on alfalfa; Iowa’s nutrient reduction strategy; cover crops for grain and livestock operations; nematodes that feed on corn; and more.

The conference is one of 13 scheduled around the state. Certified crop advisors can earn up to 5 credits at the conference and private pesticide applicators can become re-certified. Advance registration for each location is $35 and includes workshop materials, lunch, and refreshments. An additional fee is charged for CCA credits and private pesticide applicator recertification. Registration at the door, or within one week prior to the meeting is $45. On-line registration materials are available at http://www.aep.iastate.edu/cas/registration.pdf.