2015 Crop Diagnostic School - July 30, 2015 

You’re invited to the Crop Diagnostic School for 2015!

This event will be an in-depth training opportunity for agronomists, producers, industry and retail to improve their crop scouting skills and further their agronomic knowledge. The Crop Diagnostic School will be a one-day event in Outlook, SK. There will be three available dates to choose from:

Outlook, SK – July 28 OR 29 OR 30 (one-day only)
Host: Irrigation Crop Diversification Corporation (ICDC)
Location: Canada-Saskatchewan Irrigation Diversification Centre (CSIDC) Research Station, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Time: 8:30am to 4:30pm (registration at 8:00am)
Cost: $140.00 per person (includes lunch)

Each day will have the same 6 projects and exercises:

1. Insect Scouting and Identification – learn how to use a sweep net and how to identify pests and beneficial insects in a real field situation. Insect specimens, both alive and preserved, will be available as well.
2. Disease Scouting and Identification - test your knowledge of cereal leaf diseases, Fusarium Head Blight, canola diseases, pulse root rots, and pasmo in flax. Experts will be on hand to assist with identification and to teach you about disease diagnostics.
3. Weed ID - Learn how to sample and collect plants to be sent into the crop protection lab for identification, as well as how to sample and collect weed seeds that you suspect are herbicide resistant. You will also hone your weed identification skills for common winter annual and perennial weeds. For those looking for an extra challenge, weed seed identification will also be on hand.
4. Herbicide Injury Symptoms and Application Technology - Observe how water quality has a major influence on the effectiveness of certain herbicides and how it can cause serious damage to various field crops. Improper sprayer cleanout is a major cause of residual herbicide damage. Learn the tricks of the trade for proper sprayer cleanout.
5. Soils/Fertility/Nodulation - this year there will be several stations that demonstrate a salinity gradient, fertility trial, nutrient depleted soils and an overwatered nodulation trial. If time permits, participants will practice hand texturing and discuss soil profiles.
6. Using Imagery as a Diagnostic Tool - Participants will have an opportunity to learn about how soil maps, electrical conductivity (EC) maps, satellite images and high resolution images can be used in crop diagnostics. You will analyze these resources from the same parcel of land to identify areas that require further investigation. Committee members will share their knowledge of problem areas identified in the images.

There will also be a demonstration of a drone (UAV) in flight at the end of each day.

Sweep nets ($60 each including tax) will be available for online purchase during the registration process and will be available for pickup at the event. In addition, resource books and sweep nets will be available for purchase at the event by cash or cheque only. Attendees should come prepared for weather (bring rain gear, rubber boots, sunscreen, hat, etc.). This will be a great opportunity to take pictures, so bring your camera.

Limited spaces are available, so register early to guarantee your spot!

Hope to see you this summer!