By Blake Jackson
In this spring, University of Wisconsin Extension is offering a Foundational Crop Scouting Training series designed to teach basic scouting skills to new and returning professionals in agriculture. This program is ideal for crop scouts, ag consultants, and service providers with little or no prior experience.
Participants will engage in a hybrid learning model, combining weekly webinars with in-person field days at UW Ag Research Stations. The focus is on practical scouting skills for corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.
The webinars are scheduled from May 14 to June 17 and will cover -
- Introduction to crop scouting
- Staging crops and taking stand counts
- Identifying nutrient deficiencies
- Weed and insect identification
- Common crop diseases
Each session will offer valuable take-home knowledge and guidance in field diagnostics. Attendees can register for the free webinars online.
In addition to virtual learning, participants are encouraged to attend hands-on field training at one of three UW Ag Research Stations -
- June 18 – Lancaster
- June 26 – Arlington
- June 27 – Marshfield
Field days run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and registration is $25, including lunch. Payment must be mailed to the Jefferson County Extension Office, with questions directed to Josh Kamps at 608-673-0680 or joshua.kamps@wisc.edu.
“With today’s tight margins, proper crop scouting helps farmers detect pests early, make informed and cost-effective decisions, and optimize yields,” say Extension coordinators.
Topics include sampling techniques, crop condition evaluation, and early pest detection, all aimed at helping farmers maximize yield while reducing costs.
Whether you’re just starting or need a refresher, this training offers the tools and support to build a strong foundation in modern crop scouting.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-eugenesergeev
Categories: Wisconsin, Crops, Corn, Soybeans