By Tyce Masich, BSc AAg, Crops Extension Specialist, Outlook
May 2024
The crops extension specialists are bringing you another year of Crop Diagnostic School on July 24 and 25, 2024, in Melfort, Sask.
Crop Diagnostic School is a field day at one of Saskatchewan’s Agri-ARM sites where we demonstrate and discuss many topics in Saskatchewan crop production. This is a great opportunity for all members of the agriculture industry to network and learn new crop scouting skills from provincial specialists and researchers. This year, the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture is proud to partner with the Northeast Agriculture Research Foundation (NARF) in Melfort to host this event. Each participant only attends one day as the material is identical on both days. Spots are limited, so be sure to register early to guarantee your spot!
Who organizes and runs Crop Diagnostic School?
The ministry’s crops extension specialist team, who provide unbiased, agronomic information, have worked for the last 11 years to plan and run Crop Diagnostic School. In addition, the team works each year to write, edit and update the Crop Diagnostic School Handbook. If you are unable to attend the Crop Diagnostic School, you can always reach out to your local crops extension specialist for the latest updates on extension meetings in your area.
What will be covered at Crop Diagnostic School?
We have five different stations where participants listen to short presentations, view demonstration material and practise technical field scouting skills with experts. The five stations include:
- Weed Identification – Attendees will learn how to identify weeds based on family characteristics. We will also show how to properly identify commonly confused weeds using key distinguishing features.
- Disease – Want to know what diseases and issues the experts are focusing on this year? Join pathologists from the University of Saskatchewan and specialists from the ministry to discuss biosecurity, disease and management in pulses, cereals and canola.
- Insects – This year’s insect identification station will focus on pests and beneficial insects alike. Learn from three different entomologists as they guide you through scouting and identifying insects found in the plots and in your sweep net.
- Herbicide – The herbicide station will feature two experts that specialize in weed biology and spray technology. They will be discussing three separate demonstrations including Group 2 injury, how tank mixing affects herbicide efficacy, and canola’s response to low doses of different herbicide groups.
- Soils – The soil station will feature demonstrations on establishment of forages, diagnosing seedling damage from improper fertilizer management, and variability within the soil profile.
You can find more information about each station on the Crop Diagnostic School registration page. For more information on Crop Diagnostic School, contact your regional crops extension specialist or call the Agriculture Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.