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IPM course for corn and soybeans offered across Ontario

September 23, 2015 - The University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus will be offering the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Course for corn and soybeans starting in early November 2015.

For the 2017 growing season, starting August 31, 2016, anyone needing to buy and use neonicotinoid-treated corn or soybean seed must complete integrated pest management training and become certified, among other requirements. Once you have successfully completed the course, you will be certified for five years. Once a person is certified, they can supervise up to seven people to help with planting. The course is offered free of charge if successfully completed by August 31, 2016, so sign up early to guarantee a spot.

The 1/2 day course will cover topics such as IPM principles including corn and soybean pest identification, planting best management practices, the new regulatory requirements regarding Class 12 pesticides and pollinator protection from neonicotinoid exposure.

“Growers already understand the concept of integrated pest management," says Wentworth County farmer and OFA Director, Drew Spoelstra. The aim of this course is to further understand how to apply these concepts to their own corn and soybean fields, specifically for the early season pests. They’ll learn how to look for these pests on their farms and consider all the options for managing them.”

Starting November 2015, courses will be offered in classrooms across Ontario and online. Check the website www.ipmcertified.ca for a list of available dates and locations. You can sign-up online or call 1-866-225-9020.

September 24, 2015  By Top Crop Manager