For the past 20 years the Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL) has been providing hands-on training to keep Iowa's crop production professionals at the top of their game. This year's Crop Diagnostic Clinics continue that tradition with a full lineup of topics to challenge and inform.

Last year the Clinic format was completely re-designed and the response from attendees was extremely positive. Students now choose which sessions to attend, developing an educational program that is customized to individual needs and interests. The program is a combination of 60- and 30-minute sessions for efficient use of time and to expose attendees to more topics. There are 23 topics available on the program for 2007. Each clinic has been approved for 12 Certified Crop Adviser CEUs. Credits in each category will depend on which sessions are attended.

2007 Crop Diagnostic Clinic sessions:

• Impact of corn management practices on yield
• Soybean growth and development--it's all about yield
• Nitrogen management in continuous corn
• Ten ways to know your soil
• Planting in high-residue continuous corn
• In-field management and water quality
• Soil: It's not just dirt!
• What does herbicide resistance look like?
• Diagnosis of soybean stem diseases
• Disease risks in continuous corn
• Corn rootworm management
• Understanding corn development and
• b critical yield periods
• When is soybean yield made?
• Forage varieties for Iowa production
• Alfalfa establishment practices
• Potassium management strategies
• Crop nutrient deficiency symptoms
• An earthworm's perspective on soil management
• Understanding soil management and
• b root growth relationships
• Nozzle wear and calibration
• Herbicide injury: What's wrong with this picture?
• Which grass is witchgrass?
• Preemergence herbicides and rain

Clinics are scheduled for July 9-10, July 11-12, and July 18-19. 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. Join Iowa State University Extension for two days packed with a variety of learning opportunities you won't find anywhere else. We hope to see you in July!

Brent Pringnitz is coordinator of the Agribusiness Education Program.