In January of 2018, Hardin and Larue Counties Collaborated to host an early pre-season Grain Crops Workshop. UK and NRCS Specialists were brought in to discuss various issues from the previous year, as well as possible issues for the coming season.

Dr Raul Vilanueva, UK Entomologist, discussed recent issues with slugs, possible control measures, and causes of slug infestations in grain crops. Dr Vilanueva also talked about why management of these pests is often so difficult. Slugs have caused major economic havoc on local grain crops the last few years, and producers were very interested in this subject.

Dr Matt Springer, UK Wildlife Specialist, was on hand to talk about wildlife and their impacts on row crop production. Dr Springer talked briefly on Wild Turkey and Voles and their potential to do damage on Corn and Soybean. The bulk of the presentation focused on Whitetail Deer and the extensive amount of damage they can do to grain crops. Whitetail Deer are a major threat to crops in our area and the bulk of the discussion was on how to manage and control deer populations on farm land.

Dr Kiersten Wise, UK Plant Pathologist, discussed corn fungicide use, and other disease management strategies.  Dr Wise talked about different product efficacies, and different application methods. With good growing conditions, disease pressure has been a significant factor in limiting yield potential in corn in our area the last several years.

Mr Jerry McIntosh, NRCS Soil Scientist, finished the program by leading producers on a tour of Central and Western Kentucky Soils, explained their origin, and the reasons why certain soils are more productive than others. With a lot of marginal farm land coming in to crop production the last several years, it is important producers have an increased awareness of soil geology and productivity.