June 30, 2004

Farmers Field Day features weed management tips

by K.C. Jaehnig

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- Southern Illinois University's 38th Annual Farmers' Field Day will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 15, at the University's Belleville Research Center, located on Illinois Route 161 near Scott Air Force Base's south gate. Field day organizers have applied for two units of continuing education credit.

Experts from Southern Illinois University Carbondale will talk about weed control basics, offer tips on improving weed management in corn and explore options for applying phosphorus and potassium. Experts from the University of Illinois will talk about Asian rust and other soybean problems, tile drainage and new marketing strategies for corn and soybeans.

Demonstrations and exhibits will occupy the big tent again this year. Topics include the agronomics and economics of intensive wheat management, identification and control of annual weeds in fields and lawns, the use of a field's yield history in choosing nitrogen application rates, soybean inoculation, new specialty crops and a look at some options available for students interested in earning an ag-related degree at SIUC.

As always, the New Ideal 4-H Club will be selling hot dogs, brats, chips, desserts and drinks for a small fee.

For more information, call Krausz at 618/566-4761 or Varsa at 618/453-1780.