The LSU AgCenter will hold a crop production and pest management field day expo June 19 at the Tom H. Scott Research, Extension and Education Center in Winnsboro.
The expo represents a new field day model intended to highlight sectors of the agricultural industry as well as feature field tours, a horticulture seminar and ongoing agronomic and pest management programs at the center, AgCenter regional director Tara Smith said.
“Our goal is to provide a more efficient, robust and valuable experience for our clientele,” Smith said.
The event will begin with the industry expo at 8:30 a.m. followed by field tours and horticulture seminar breakout sessions starting at 10 a.m. A sponsored lunch will be provided, followed by an interagency agent training program at 1:30 p.m.
During the expo portion of the program, the public is invited to discuss technologies, products and equipment options with industry representatives.
The horticulture seminar will feature LSU AgCenter Super Plants and presentations by Louisiana Master Gardener members and AgCenter experts.
Field tours will highlight:
- Drift rate effects of commonly used herbicides on soybeans at different growth stages.
- Corn insect management strategies.
- Soil-borne and foliar disease management in soybeans.
- Foliar disease management in cotton and corn.
- Soybean seeding rates and planting dates.
- Hill drop versus drilled cotton production.
The afternoon program will offer additional integrated pest management field crops training opportunities for AgCenter agents and other professionals from various state agencies, federal organizations and industry.
Plans are to rotate the expo event each year among AgCenter research stations in the Northeast and Central regions, while individual stations will host several smaller, more focused educational programs throughout the year, Smith said.
