Kentucky Crop Health Conference Set for February 5

By Blake Jackson

Farmers, crop consultants, and agronomic professionals are invited to attend the fourth annual Kentucky Crop Health Conference (KCHC) on February 5 in Bowling Green. The one-day event is designed to help producers prepare for pest and disease challenges ahead of the growing season.

Hosted by the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, the conference will take place at the National Corvette Museum’s conference center.

Attendees will hear from a mix of national and regional experts who will share the latest research findings and practical management strategies for protecting corn, soybeans, and wheat across Kentucky and surrounding states.

The conference agenda includes presentations from leading researchers, such as Horacio Lopez-Nicora of Ohio State University, who will discuss management of soybean cyst nematode and other soilborne pathogens, and Jocelyn Smith of the University of Guelph, Ridgetown, who will examine the resurgence of European corn borer in Canada.

Additional sessions will cover targeted herbicide applications, red crown rot in soybeans, mollusk and corn leafhopper management, ryegrass control, corn disease prevention, and strategies to reduce wildlife damage in row crop production.

“The Kentucky Crop Health Conference equips agronomic professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions,” said Legleiter, associate extension professor of weed science in the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.

“Bringing together local and national expertise, this event empowers our Kentucky and neighboring agricultural communities to adopt innovative solutions.”

Beyond educational sessions, the conference offers continuing education opportunities. Certified Crop Advisors can earn six CEUs in Integrated Pest Management, while Kentucky pesticide applicators may receive five CEUs in Category 1A and one CEU in Category 10. Tennessee applicator credits will also be available.

The conference runs from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. CST, with registration opening at 8 a.m. Tickets are $80 and include meals and conference materials. Registration is available online through January 29, with no refunds issued after the deadline.

For additional details, contact Jason Travis at (859) 562-2569 or jason.travis@uky.edu.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-luc-pouliot