Soils and Crops Conference to be held in Barton County on Feb. 18

"Crop Management Strategies in an Era of Uncertainty" is the theme of the 2009 Soils and Crops Conference in Barton County which is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 18, at Thiebaud Auditorium, 105 E. 11th, Lamar, Mo.

According to Jay Chism, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension in Lamar, several MU state specialists will present the latest crop information at this conference making this a "must-attend" type of event for area farmers.

"Information for this meeting is designed to help producers minimize risk and maximize returns," said Chism. "If you only have time for only one workshop this winter, this conference is the one you don't want to miss." Ray Massey, an agriculture economist with MU Extension, will discuss the increasing cost of crop production and provide information that will help farmers make sound decisions before input costs are considered.

Seed treatments that offer protection from insects and disease continue to gain popularity. Three different specialists with MU Extension, Crop Specialist Bill Wiebold, Extension Entomologist Wayne Bailey and Extension Pathologist Laura Sweets, will discuss seed germination and make available the most recent information about the effectiveness of seed treatments.

Fertilizer prices, while slightly lower now may continue an upward trend if oil prices start to climb. Peter Scarf, an agronomy specialist with MU Extension, will provide information about fertilizer management, banded applications, and variable rate fertility.

Kevin Bradley, a weed specialist with MU Extension, will offer his thoughts on economical corn and soybean weed management as farmers prepare for the next growing season.

"Field crop diseases, stacked gene studies, and a weather outlook for the 2009 growing season are also part of this year's conference," said Chism.

The Barton County Soils and Crops Conference is sponsored by the Barton County Commission, Heritage Bank in Lamar, US Bank of Lamar, Metropolitan Bank and the Plant Protection Program at the University of Missouri.

There is no charge for the conference, but in order to make adequate food preparation a preregistration is required before Feb. 16 and can be made by calling (417) 682-3579.

More information can also be found online at extension.missouri.edu/barton.