Contact the Field Extension and Education Laboratory Coordinator at extfarm@iastate.edu for questions about field lab programs. BOONE, Iowa – Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a Field Scouting Basics Workshop on May 16 at the Field Extension Education Lab, near Boone, Iowa.
Designed for beginning-level crop scouts, as well as those looking to receive a refresher course on crop scouting principles, the course provides hands-on, in-field experience to crop scouts for the 2019 growing season. Participants will also have the opportunity to consult with extension specialists from various disciplines about crop issues to look for in 2019. “The goal of the workshop is to provide a learning opportunity in actual field conditions, and help participants feel confident when they’re scouting fields on their own,” said Warren Pierson, program specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Scouts are often the first to find issues in fields and their reports help drive important pest management decisions.” ISU Extension and Outreach specialists and field agronomists will provide instruction on weed, insect and crop disease identification in Iowa corn and soybean production.
Participants will learn principles of integrated pest management and an overview of basic field scouting skills including sample collection, observation and documentation.