Agronomic Mastery: Penn State's Field Clinic Unleashes Expertise

Thursday, June 29, 2023

A unique opportunity awaits agricultural industry professionals seeking to expand their agronomic expertise and acquire certified crop adviser, pesticide, and nutrient management credits. The highly anticipated Penn State Agronomic Field Diagnostic Clinic is scheduled for July 18 at the Agronomy Research Farm, situated at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs, Pennsylvania.

Organized by the Penn State Extension Agronomy Team, this field clinic aims to enhance the agronomic management skills of attendees, including industry personnel, extension educators, crop consultants, agency specialists, and producers. Throughout the day-long event, participants will receive hands-on diagnostic training in various areas such as crop production, pest management, soil fertility, and soil and water conservation.

The program features four comprehensive sessions:

Tar Spot of Corn: Delve into the critical disease affecting Pennsylvania farmers and explore effective management strategies based on the latest research and recommendations.

Meet the Forage Royal Family and the Short Corn Cousin: Gain insights into forage quality, from species and variety selection to harvesting techniques, along with a showcase of short-statured corn examples.

Soil Organic Matter and Cover Crop-Based Nitrogen Recommendations for Corn: Discover a new calculator for determining nitrogen fertilizer recommendations based on soil organic matter and cover crop inputs. Additionally, explore various cover crops and mixtures while comparing nitrogen recommendations for each.

Balancing Tillage Practices and Soil Loss: Learn about the impact of tillage practices on soil loss, including measuring residue cover under different scenarios and connecting tillage practices with landscape and residue management.

The registration fee is $50 per person, covering lunch, refreshments, and materials. Register online at [insert registration link], call 877-489-1EXT (877-489-1398), or email ExtensionRegistration@ag.psu.edu. Note that after July 11, the fee increases to $80.

For technical inquiries about the clinic, contact Dwight Lingenfelter at 814-865-2242 or dwight@psu.edu. Don't miss this chance to sharpen your agronomic skills, network with experts, and stay at the forefront of Northeastern agriculture at the Penn State Agronomic Field Diagnostic Clinic.