Detectives of the Crop Field

By Maggie Frazier

On a sunny day in July, University of Minnesota Extension Institute for Ag Professionals Field School participants crouch down to closely examine and compare plants with different crop injury symptoms, such as yellowing or cupping. They are doing detective work to determine which herbicide sprayed in these demonstration plots may have been the culprit. 

For a professional who is called upon to assist farmers with troubleshooting crop issues due to drift or other reasons, the experience is indispensable. 

The two-day Field School has been the premier hands-on, in-field event for agricultural professionals for 35 years. The opportunity to learn on the St. Paul campus is valued by early career professionals as well as seasoned professionals who want to continually hone their expertise with the latest research. 

Across the spectrum

“It is a great way to get some hands-on experience and learn about the new issues that impact agriculture,” says Christine Wicks of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. “I have been a certified crop advisor for 25 years, and I have been coming here longer than that!” 

Carolyn Remer, on the other hand, is new to the industry. The conservation agronomist at Centra Sota Cooperative, working in partnership with the Wright County Soil and Water Conservation District, says, “I am at Field School to learn all I can, especially at the soil health stations.” 

Known especially for crop diagnostic and troubleshooting topics, Field School covers core principles in agronomy, entomology, weed and soil sciences to build a strong foundation of skills. Then, timely, cutting-edge topics build on the knowledge. 

Ripple effects 

“Through their jobs, over 1,200 participants influence many farm producers — and millions of acres — across Minnesota,” says Bob Koch, Extension director of the Institute for Ag Professionals, which operates Field School. “The practical knowledge they learn helps them effectively advise those producers to optimize crop health and yield.” 

Among the attendees are agronomists, crop production retailers, seed dealers, consultants, crop protection industry representatives, government agency personnel and field scouts. Participants appreciate the chance to reconnect and to review issues that don’t necessarily come up every year.