MSU Extension field crops Scouting School returns for the third year
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EmailThis scouting school is designed for interns and entry level scouts to learn the basics of identification, walking patterns and scouting tools.
Michigan State University Extension is excited to bring you our third annual field crops Scouting School on May 21, June 18 and July 16 at the MSU Saginaw Valley Research and Extension Center, 3775 S Reese Rd, Frankenmuth, MI 48734.
Do you have interns or entry level scouts who could use some extra training on how to scout? Summer is a busy time and it's easy to send interns out in the field thinking they know the basics, but have they been trained? Do they know how to scout properly and when they should be looking for different things? Send them to this scouting training that extends over three dates during different parts of the growing season to give them in-season training. The goal is that they will be scouting the pests they will be seeing in the field around that time. Keep in mind that no two seasons are the same.
Participants will move through this three-part training program in a cohort throughout the growing season. The sessions will be held:
- May 21, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Lunch included
- Basics covered: weed ID, scouting patterns, nutrient deficiencies, etc.
- Wheat scouting: staging wheat, wheat diseases, any nutrient deficiencies, etc. in our wheat plots
- June 18, 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Disease scouting with Marty Chilvers, PhD, MSU Extension plant pathologist
- July 16, 12 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Disease scouting with Marty Chilvers, PhD, MSU Extension plant pathologist
- Insect scouting (damage, egg masses, etc.) with Chris DiFonzo, PhD, MSU Extension field crops entomologist
Throughout the three sessions, MSU Extension field crops educators with years of scouting experience will also be helping and teaching. The program is designed to provide hands-on, in-season field scouting, so the sessions have been set up around the typical timing for different issues.
Over the past two years, 100% of participants who completed the post survey said they would recommend this program to their employers or fellow co-workers.
The cost for Scouting School is $150. This fee covers the cost of materials and food. Included in registration is a light snack for all three days, lunch the first day, various reference materials and a fun scouting tool or two. Registration is limited to 30 individuals to keep a small cohort and group feel. This will allow for plenty of hands-on opportunities and time talking to the Extension educators and specialists when scouting as well.
Register yourself or your company interns
If you need help registering, please contact Diana Marruso or 989-672-3870. If you have questions on the program content, please reach out to Jenna Falor at falorjen@msu.edu or Nicolle Ritchie at ritchi67@msu.edu.
