Dr. Larry Steckel, UT Extension Weed Specialist, will provide the keynote presentation with his latest management strategies toward managing Palmer amaranth, which is becoming a costly weed to manage if strategies are not implemented early at the eleventh annual Middle Tennessee Grain Conference, January 28 at the Coffee County Fairgrounds, Manchester.
Steckel, who is recognized as one of the foremost authorities in the southeast on herbicide resistant weeds, focuses his Extension education and research efforts on the best herbicides and application timing on controlling herbicide resistant weeds. Currently, Dr. Steckel maintains an extensive applied research program on weed management in agronomic crops in Tennessee. His research focus is on the study of the biology and management of
glyphosate-resistant horseweed, giant ragweed and another very troublesome pigweed species, Palmer amaranth. These three weeds, especially Palmer amaranth, are costing Tennessee growers in added cost and yields, to the point of abandoning once productive fields.
Farmers planning to attend the conference can save money by pre-registering at the UT Cannon County Extension office by Noon, Monday, January 25. Pre- registration fee for the conference is ten dollars per person, which includes the program and materials, refreshments, lunch, a copy of the conference proceedings, and a grain conference cap. Conference day registration will begin at 7:30 am at a cost of twenty dollars per person.
The conference will host a trade show of various agriculture suppliers beginning at 8:00 am with break-out presentations beginning at 9:00 am. Refreshments will be available throughout the day, and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative will sponsor lunch on-site provided by Christy “Q” Barbeque of Woodbury. This program, like all UT Extension programs, is open to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability or veteran status.
An excellent slate of speakers will address management strategies for corn, wheat and soybean production for 2016 during the breakout sessions from 9:00 am until Noon. Included in the line-up will be will be Mr. Stephan Maupin, Director of Public Policy, Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation presenting the latest updates on EPA’s waters of the United States regulations and their impact on farmers. Mr. Adam Daugherty, District Conservationist, NRCS Coffee County, will discuss the latest on-farm results and benefits of local soil health demonstrations. Dr. Heather Kelly, UT Extension Plant Pathology Specialist, will address the latest recommendations for disease and fungicide management for corn, wheat and soybeans. Mr. Mark Bartel, President, Wilger Industries will address the sprayer technology and advancements for effective and safe pesticide applications. Dr. Debbie Joines, Director, UT Plant and Pest Center, will address the latest recommendations and economical approach to soil fertility and fertilizer management. Dr. Mike Buschermohle, UT Extension Precision Agriculture Specialist, and Ms. Lori Duncan, UT Extension Row Crop Sustainability Specialist will address implementing available variable rate technology and the associated technologies that can enhance precision farming. Mr. Chuck Danehower and Mr. Danny Morris, UT Extension Area Farm Management Specialist will present strategies to maximize essential crop input resources.
Also new for 2016 will be Drew Lerner’s predictions for 2016 weather patterns. This will be a short fifteen minute audio/visual presentation following the keynote address.
