Business : Sudden Death Syndrome Featured at Crop Conference on January 19

Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome was widespread in Iowa in 2010, causing severe losses in some fields. Dr. Leonor Leandro, an ISU plant pathologist who is focusing on this destructive disease, will present recent findings on managing the problem at the Iowa State University Extension Crop Advantage Series at 9:30 a.m. on January 19 at the Kirkwood Center for Continuing Education at 7725 Kirkwood Blvd. SW in Cedar Rapids. Also featured at the conference will be a presentation on the grain market outlook for 2011 by Dr. Chad Hart, ISU economist. The conference is one of 14 scheduled around the state, where crop producers can choose among a variety of topics, including pest management, crop variety selection, tillage, soil drainage, soil fertility, and grain marketing. “Each year attendees tell me they wish there were more breakout sessions during the day. They are interested in so many of the topics and can’t be at every workshop. The topics are in demand. It’s a great problem to have,” says Jim Fawcett, ISU Extension field agronomist in eastern Iowa. Certified crop advisors can earn up to 5 credits at the conference in Cedar Rapids 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 less than one week prior to the meeting or at the door is $45. Other sites in eastern Iowa include Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo on January 26. Registration materials for all sites are available at www.cropadvantage.org or from your local ISU Extension office.