By Emma Hopkins
Nutrient, soil, water and pest management will comprise the main topics covered at the Indiana Certified Crop Adviser Conference Dec. 16-17 in Indianapolis.
The conference, sponsored by the Indiana Certified Crop Adviser Program, will be held at the Marriott East, 7202 E. 21st St., beginning at 8 a.m. The annual event allows Certified Crop Advisers to earn up to 16 continuing education units.
"The conference every year covers many different topics benefiting Certified Crop Advisers as they fulfill requirements for continuing education," said Tony Vyn, a Purdue University agronomist and an organizer of the meeting. "As with prior conferences, this year's program offers education relevant to next year's crop production challenges."
Topics include modern technologies in crops, precision agriculture, breaking soybean yield barriers, how to deal with changing row crop and cover crop economics, cover crops and soil health, new herbicide resistant crops, pest-resistance issues, changing nutrient recommendations and water management.
Speakers from Purdue University and other universities and colleges in 11 states, as well as representatives from several agricultural companies, will present on various topics. A list of presentation topics and speakers is available on the Indiana CCA website at http://www.indianacca.org/. Most sessions will be offered twice; once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Special, extra half-day sessions on pertinent legal, professional and marketing aspects of crop advising will be offered just once.
While the conference is intended mainly for CCAs and crop consultants, the presentations could also benefit farmers, agribusiness professionals and graduate students, who are also welcome to attend.
The Marriott East is offering a special rate of $95 per night to participants who reserve their rooms by Dec. 1. Reservations can be made by calling the hotel at 800-228-9290 or 317-352-1231 and mentioning the Indiana Certified Crop Adviser group to receive the conference rate.
Registration includes educational sessions, access to presentation PDF files, lunches, refreshments and a Tuesday evening reception. For CCAs, the price is $225 for both days or $125 for one day. For other attendees, the conference costs $325 for both days or $175 for one day.
Participants can register online at http://www.indianacca.org/registration/6/step/0/ at the regular conference rates until Dec. 9. After that date, prices will increase by $25. Questions about the conference should be directed to the Indiana CCA office at 317-762-7955.
Source:purdue.edu