The Pest Management Field Day returned to the UKREC on June 27, 2024.   The 2024 event was the fifth year for the field day that featured research updates from University of Kentucky Pest Management faculty including Dr. Kiersten Wise and Dr. Carl Bradley.  The event also featured research updates from graduate students in Dr. Wise, Dr. Bradley, and Dr. Ern Haramoto’s research programs.   

The event heavily featured walking plot tours of weed science research plots at the University of Kentucky led by Dr. Travis Legleiter.   The weed science research plots featured over 150 herbicide combinations in corn and soybean.   The weed science research plots highlighted the importance of using residual herbicides in corn and soybean and the importance of product components and rates for successful weed control.    

The half day event was attended by 104 individuals who influenced or managed over 200,000 acres of corn, soybean, and wheat in Kentucky.  Participant surveys indicated that the field day provided information worth a total value of $3.3 million.   Over 80% of survey respondents indicated the event was either “very beneficial” or “extremely beneficial”.   One respondent praised the event as “Very informative, welcoming/friendly environment that is receptive to questions/comments/ideas.”  

 The 2024 Pest Management Field Day was built upon the success of the past four events and has set the standard for future Pest Management Field Days.