Resistant weeds highlighted at 96th Lawrence County Soils and Crops Conference Jan. 2 in new facility

The 96th annual Lawrence County Soils and Crops Conference will be held from 6-9 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, at the new building at the Southwest Research Center located at 14548 State Hwy H, southwest of Mt. Vernon.
“This year’s conference will have a row crop emphasis and will focus on key issues producers are facing regarding pest issues and farm liability insurance. Dr. Kevin Bradley, state weed science specialist, will be on hand to address where we are at today regarding weed resistance,” said Tim Schnakenberg, an agronomy field specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Galena. “Dr. Bradley is doing unique research to look at all options for dealing with this significant problem in Missouri.”
Another important topic to be covered will be a review of farm liability insurance. Dr. Ray Massey, state ag business specialist, will share thoughts on how to be adequately covered with farm liability insurance. Producers need to carefully think about all aspects of liability for their farms, whether regarding livestock fencing, chemical drift, labor protection or natural disasters.
Jill Scheidt, agronomy field specialist based in Lamar, will also discuss some of the primary insect and disease issues that we face in southwest Missouri and how to scout for them and manage them. “Jill offers a crop scouting program which puts her in the field on a weekly basis to monitor pests and she will share what she often sees in the field,” according to Schnakenberg
A rib-eye steak sandwich meal will be grilled by the Southwest Missouri Cattlemen’s Association. Additional support for this program comes from Mid-Missouri Bank of Mt. Vernon, Ozark Electric Cooperative, Lawrence County Farm Bureau and the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce.
There is a small charge of $10 to attend to cover extension program costs and attendees need to preregister by Dec. 27 with the Lawrence County Extension Center to order their meal and reserve a seat. Preregister on-line at https://extension2.missouri.edu/events/2020-lawrence-county-soils-and-cr... or call 417-466-3102 to reserve a meal.