Enrollment is open now for the 2020 Scouting School at the Fisher Delta Research Center in Portageville, Mo. The Fisher Delta Research Center has a long history of educating crop scouts in the Delta region, beginning in 1981. The school offers a high-quality curriculum taught by experienced faculty and provides hands-on experience identifying insects, diseases, weeds and nutrient deficiencies. The school is held over a two-week period in February (Feb. 3-13). From Monday to Thursday each week, students spend three hours a night (5:30-8:30 p.m.) learning the tools of scouting. Each evening includes two hours of presentations and one hour in a pest identification lab. Classes also include managing cotton, corn, soybean, wheat, grain sorghum and rice. At the end of two weeks, each student is given a final exam to test what they have learned over the course of the school. Students passing the class receive a signed certificate.

To enroll, or if you have questions about scouting classes, contact Tina Clark at 573-379-5431 or clarktr@missouri.edu.

What is your research focus?
My research focuses on environmental and chemical factors that increase the likelihood for applications of dicamba to remain on-target. By identifying conditions that may increase the potential for a dicamba product to volatilize, we can increase dicamba stewardship and keep it as a viable herbicide option for producers. I also study herbicide-resistant weeds and their distribution and spread in Missouri.

Why does this field interest you?
Research in weed science evolves rapidly and I am interested in using research results to develop integrated strategies to control weeds. I enjoy the opportunity to combine chemical and non-chemical weed control methods to increase the overall longevity of chemicals in row crop production.

Why did you decide to come to Mizzou?
Weed science research performed at Mizzou is utilized nationwide, and I was ecstatic to accept an opportunity to receive my technical training from a distinguished scientist in the weed science field.

Who is your advisor?
Dr. Kevin Bradley

What are your future career plans?
My career goal is to work in a role in which I can consult farmers, design research trials and train developing agronomists and salesmen to manage weeds in row crops.

CAFNR faculty members have received the following recent grants (listed by Principal Investigator):

Pengyin Chen, Developing the Perfect Molecular Markers and New Germplasm for Rapid Incorporation of Resistance to Soil Borne Pathogens of Soybean, 1/1/2020-12/31/2020, $75,000, Ohio State University

Randall Prather, SPARCPigs: Transgenic Pigs with Red-shifted Channel rhodopsin-Citrine Fusion Proteins, 7/1/2019-6/30/2020, $21,300, University of Florida

James T. English, Acquisition of Goods and Services – 966 Admin Costs, 4/1/2019-3/31/2020, $3,001, Agricultural Research Service

Provided by the MU Office of Research

Building a better bug trap
American Agriculturalist

High season for Missouri maple syrup makers
Columbia Missourian

Southwest Missouri producer sees success in first-year warm-season crop
KTTN

Parson tours new MU plant facility
Columbia Tribune

MU has developed robots that help analyze soybean and corn crops
Columbia Missourian

Rainout shelters help Missouri farmers learn how to manage drought
Columbia Missourian

MU student develops high-tech collar to track changes in pregnant cows
Columbia Missourian

The featured photo shows today’s Center for Agroforestry 11th annual symposium and keynote speaker Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe. The symposium’s theme was “Show Me More! Value-Added Processing for Missouri Agriculture and Forestry” and included speakers, panelists, exhibitors and a poster session exploring dimensions of advancing value-added opportunities for Missouri producers.