The 2003 Integrated Crop Management Conference has something to offer for everyone involved in crop production and protection in Iowa and the Midwest. The opening sessions will focus on two topics that have a significant impact on producers and agribusiness--soybean rust and soybean aphids.The Fifteenth Annual Integrated Crop Management Conference (ICM) will be held December 3 and 4 at the Iowa State Center at Iowa State University in Ames. Registration begins at 9:00 a.m. on December 3 in Stephens Auditorium and the conference concludes at 4:00 p.m. on December 4.

This year's conference includes a soybean rust symposium featuring national experts from USDA-ARS and the National Soybean Research Laboratory working on this devastating disease in soybeans. During the second general session, Ken Ostlie, University of Minnesota, will discuss the latest research findings on soybean aphid, a widespread soybean pest this past growing season. In addition, the conference features more than 25 workshops on topics in crop production, pest management, soil and water management and, soil fertility.

For Certified Crop Advisers the ICM Conference is an excellent opportunity to obtain additional continuing education credits before year's end. CCAs can obtain up to 12 credits. The following credits have been approved: Crop Management - 5, Pest Management - 9, Nutrient Management - 6, Soil and Water Management - 8, Professional Development - 1. This conference also has been approved as continuing education for Iowa Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicators in categories 1A, 1B, 1C, and 10.

For registration information visit the Agribusiness Education Program (AEP) website, call AEP at (515) 294-6429, or E-mail aep@iastate.edu. The fee for this conference is $175. After November 21, registration increases to $225. Enrollment is limited and no registrations will be accepted at the door. Registrations are accepted on a first-come, fees-paid basis.

The conference is hosted by Iowa State University Extension, the College of Agriculture, and the departments of Agronomy, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering.