The University of Kentucky Grain Crops Integrated Pest Management group recognized the need to organize and conduct a conference featuring both University of Kentucky Extension Specialists and guest speakers from universities in other states to provide a diverse range of topics and enhance education of integrated pest management practices.  The goal was to create a better understanding of integrated pest management among stakeholders in agriculture, including producers, crop consultants and additional Ag professionals holding various positions in the industry.

The inaugural Kentucky Crop Health Conference was held Feb. 9, 2023, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and provided information relating to integrated pest management in the Commonwealth and compared those practices to data from surrounding states provided by conference guest speakers from universities in Maryland, Arkansas, and Tennessee.

Attendees were given the opportunity to interact with specialists and ask questions during presentations. An evaluation was conducted at the conclusion of the conference using a survey relating to the topics discussed. With an audience of 100 individuals, feedback indicated that over 95% of the audience planned to make or recommend changes to their pest management practices based on the information presented.  Additionally, the audience represented the management of over 470,000 corn, soybean, and wheat acres in Kentucky.  Based on audience response to the value of the conference in a dollar per acre basis, the conference had a $7.6 million benefit to Kentucky corn, soybean, and wheat acres.  The success of this inaugural event indicates the Kentucky Crop Health Conference will continue to be an important forum for those in agriculture who invest time and resources in implementing or enhancing integrated pest management practices.

As an extension associate planning this conference, it was important this inaugural conference was held at a location that would encourage travel from all parts of Kentucky, while limiting long travel times for attendees. The venue provided reasonably close access to a major airport for guest speakers attending from different states.