By Jeff Burbrink
Ag & Natural Resources Extension Educator, Purdue Extension LaGrange County

LAGRANGE – One of the most valuable field crop meetings in the region each winter is the Great Lakes Field Crops Irrigation Meeting. This year, it will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 25, returning to the Blue Gate Restaurant, 195 N. Van Buren St. Shipshewana.

Jeff Burbrink

The program will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Topics include cash rents on irrigated land, soybean weed management under irrigation, cover crops on irrigated fields, an update on pesticide regulations, irrigation management, disease concerns in irrigated corn and soybeans, fertility and manure management and a look at opportunities in the current grain markets.

Our speakers will include specialists from Purdue University, Michigan State University and industry professionals. While the focus of the program is on irrigated crops, growers who are not irrigators will also find topics of interest on the agenda.

Registration for the meeting is $40, which includes lunch. The registration fee increases to $50 after Feb. 18, so participants are encouraged to take advantage of the early registration rate. Registration is available online at events.anr.msu.edu/GLFCIM26.
We have also secured credits for professional pesticide licensing and continuing education. Michigan residents may receive 3 RUP credits.

Indiana private applicators may receive PARP credit. Indiana Commercial Applicators can earn three CCHs in Category1 and RT, and one CCH in Category 2, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7a, 7b, 7d, 8 and 11.

Certified Crop Advisors can earn CEUs in Nutrient Management, Soil and Water Management, Integrated Pest Management and Professional Development.