By Jeff Burbrink
Ag & Natural Resources Extension Educator, Purdue Extension LaGrange County

LAGRANGE — One of my favorite winter meetings each season is the Michiana Irrigated Corn & Soybean Conference, to take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Feb.  26.

Jeff Burbrink

We bring in good speakers from all over the corn belt for a range in interesting topics each year. Many of the topics would be of interest to non-irrigators as well.

In the morning, Darcy Telenko will be discussing crop disease management; Erin Burns will talk about Johnsongrass control, and Chris Defonzo will address the disappearance of insects. Stephen Boyer, the manager of Purdue’s Pinney Purdue farm, will talk about his experience with scheduling irrigation water applications.

In the afternoon, Mike Staton will share his thoughts in soybean best practices, Lyndon Kelly will show us how to determine if your water supply is adequate to the job as expected, and Younsuk Dong will give an update on 2023 research on irrigation issues.

The event will be held at the Blue Gate Theatre, 175 N Van Buren St., Shipshewana. There is a $20 registration fee which includes lunch ($30 after Feb. 16). Register online at tinyurl.com/39cyenm7.

Attendees will be eligible to earn credits towards their professional licenses. Indiana farmers can receive PARP credit, while Indiana commercial applicators can earn three CCHs in categories 1, 14 and RT. Michigan residents can earn RUP credits (three commercial, private core, or 1a), Certified Crop Advisors can earn two IPM, one nutrient management, one soil & water, and one crop management CEUs for attending.

This meeting is organized by the Extension Services of Purdue and Michigan State Universities, with sponsorship by the Corn Marketing Program of Michigan and the Michigan Soybean Committee.