The Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) Crop Diagnostic Clinics have been providing hands-on agronomic training since 1987. These intensive, two-day classes focus on developing in-field diagnostic and management skills. FEEL features 43 acres of demonstrations on corn, soybean, and forage production.

An aerial view of the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL).

The format of the clinics has changed significantly for 2006. Students will have the opportunity to select which sessions to attend and can develop a learning experience customized for their needs and interests. The program is split between hour and half-hour sessions. Attendees can choose from 23 different sessions. Each clinic has been approved for 12 Certified Crop Adviser CEU's. Credits in each category will depend on which sessions are attended.

Clinics will be held July 10-11, July 17-18, and July 19-20. Space is limited for each clinic and registrations are accepted on a first-come first-paid basis. Walk-in registrations are not accepted.

The complete brochure describing course offerings, registration materials, and online registration is available from the Agribusiness Education Program Web site. For more information, you can also contact our office at (515) 432-9548.

The FEEL Crop Diagnostic Clinics are an excellent way to sharpen your crop production and protection skills and receive CCA credits. We hope to see you at one of the clinics next month!

Crop Diagnostic Clinic sessions

• Population and row spacing responses in corn
• Corn response to planting date and stresses
• Corn plant spacing and uneven emergence
• Most common soybean yield-limiting factors in Iowa
• Alfalfa establishment practices
• Forage varieties for Iowa production
• Use of starter fertilizers in corn production
• Soil sampling for precision agriculture
• Nitrogen use in corn and N deficiency stress sensing
• Agronomic crop nutrient deficiency symptoms
• Field evaluations of management effects on soil quality
• Tips for no-tillage soybean production
• Quick methods for determining surface residue cover
• What does weed resistance look like?
• Which grass is witchgrass?
• Name that broadleaf weed
• Soybean cyst nematode: Biology and management revisited
• Soybean rust: Know your spots
• Stem diseases of soybeans
• Fungicides 101
• Corn seed treatment fungicides
• Soybean aphid speed scouting
• Corn rootworm management

With the new format, attendees can choose from 23 different sessions to customize a learning experience that meets their specific needs and interests.