Law in Kentucky requires private pesticide applicator training every three years.  In the era of covid, meeting in person is limited so the January Ag Expo educational program adopted a Zoom format that allowed participants to renew certification from the comfort and safety of their own home.  

Increasing grain prices since harvest has created a lot of excitement for the upcoming growing season, with CFAP round three set to deposit, 2021 could be another profitable year in grain and livestock production.  Extension Economist, Dr. Greg Halich, discussed what is occurring in the grain markets and the profit outlook for 2020.  Southern Corn Leaf Rust was a major problem across west Kentucky last year, especially in late-planted corn.  At the same time, new and effective fungicide products continue to enter the market.      Extension Plant Pathologist, Dr. Kiersten Wise discussed research data on V-10 compared to tassel stage fungicide application on corn and what we have learned about southern corn leaf rust in 2020.   Despite greater herbicide effectiveness than, weeds continue to be a challenge in corn and soybeans.  Dr. Travis Legleiter discussed the top five weed problems we have and the management required to keep them in check.   Fertilizer placement at planting has been increasing in popularity over the past several years.  While excellent yields are capable without fertilizer applied at planting, the trend is increasing with excellent results.   Extension Soil Fertility Specialist, Dr. Edwin Ritchey discussed research on the effect of fertilizer placement at corn planting underway at UK.