BROOKINGS — SDSU Extension will host an Integrated Pest Management Field School on July 23, by Volga.

The field school is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CDT at the SDSU Volga Farm, at 21254 464th Ave. south of Volga. It is free, and a meal will be provided. Registration is required. For a full schedule and to register, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “IPM.”

There will be five sessions, covering soil health, insects, common row crop diseases, insecticide resistance, and a climate presentation. Continuing education credits will be available for each session and the lunch presentation.

Philip Rozeboom, SDSU Extension IPM coordinator, said one of the biggest challenges for farmers is when insects, weeds and crop diseases develop a resistance to pesticides. During the field school, Adam Varenhorst, associate professor and SDSU Extension field crop entomologist, will lead a session on preventing insecticide resistance and scouting techniques.

“The field school will be an excellent opportunity for attendees to learn from the researchers themselves about the most cutting-edge management tactics they can employ to help manage resistant insects, weeds and diseases,” Rozeboom said. “What is unique about the field school compared to many other events is that the demonstrations will be in the field, allowing the attendees to learn about these topics hands-on.”

Eric Jones, assistant professor and SDSU Extension weed management specialist, will also lead a tour of a weed field trial and discuss the difference between pre- and post-emergence herbicide programs.

In other sessions, Connie Strunk, SDSU Extension plant pathology field specialist, and Madalyn Shires, SDSU Extension plant pathology specialist, will teach attendees how to identify and manage diseases common to wheat and soybeans.

Laura Edwards, SDSU Extension state climatologist, will lead a demonstration tour of the SDSU Volga Farm’s Mesonet Station, and provide a climate outlook for summer and fall in east central South Dakota.

Over lunch, Hans Klopp, SDSU Extension soil health field specialist, will lead a discussion on soil health management for farmers. Connie Tande, SDSU Extension plant diagnostician, will be available throughout the day to answer questions about plant samples, pests or field problems.

“The IPM Field School is an excellent way for anyone to meet our SDSU Extension professionals and gain insight into the most current research and pest issues throughout South Dakota,” Rozeboom said.

For more information, contact Rozeboom at 605-688-4377 or philip.rozeboom@sdstate.edu.