KY farmers - master IPM at 2024 training school

By Blake Jackson

Kentucky farmers and agricultural professionals have a valuable opportunity to stay ahead of the curve with the 2024 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training School, hosted by the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. This annual event, held on March 18th, offers a comprehensive exploration of the latest research and best practices in IPM across diverse areas, from field crops to horticulture and wildlife management.

Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting out, the IPM Training School provides a platform to learn from the expertise of University of Kentucky specialists. Morning sessions dive deep into field crop concerns, with presentations on herbicide resistance, weed control strategies, cover crop utilization, and soybean disease management. Experts will also discuss the economics and agronomics of various nutrient sources and the potential of low-cost GPS technologies for improving input usage.

The afternoon shifts focus on horticulture, offering insights into managing greenhouse diseases, utilizing cover crops in vegetable production, and understanding the impact of invasive species. Wildlife management conflicts and solutions will also be addressed, providing valuable information for farmers who share their land with diverse wildlife populations.

The training school isn't just about knowledge sharing; it's also about professional development. Commercial pesticide applicators and Certified Crop Advisers can earn valuable continuing education units while attending the sessions. This ensures that participants stay current with the latest regulations and best practices, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and effective agricultural industry.

Online registration, for virtual or in person attendance, is available at the UK Research and Education Center website under events or directly at https://wkrec.ca.uky.edu/events/2024-ipm-training-school-meeting.

Whether you choose to attend the in-person session at the Warren County Extension Office in Bowling Green or join virtually via Zoom, the 2024 IPM Training School offers a unique opportunity to cultivate your knowledge, connect with fellow professionals, and gain valuable insights to optimize your agricultural practices. So, don't miss this chance to learn from the experts and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of integrated pest management.

Photo Credit: university-of-kentucky