So many pests, so little time. Do you have an interest in the soybean rust situation, what on earth is happening with the western corn rootworm situation, herbicide resistance or what are superior application techniques? Do you want to find out the latest information on pest and crop management without traveling all over the country? You have the opportunity to get in-depth information about the many pest and technology issues that face you in the coming production year, and you can do it all with out having to even travel far from home. I highly recommend you attend the University of Illinois 2007 Crop Protection Technology Conference scheduled for Wednesday, January 3 and Thursday, January 4, 2007, at the Illini Union on the U of I campus. This is a fantastic opportunity to hear in person from agricultural experts from our own state and from across the country.

The 2007 conference will include an opening session for all participants, six issued-focused symposia, and a losing session for all participants. The opening general session will begin with a review of the 2006 growing season by an interdisciplinary group of specialists from the U of I. Plenty of time will be provided for extensive interactions with the audience.

The three symposia scheduled for the first afternoon of the conference will cover plant disease thresholds and damage, the basics of crop agronomics, and wheat management. The three symposia on the following day will deal with glyphosate resistance, insect management, and the influence of organic markets and urban perspectives on agrichemical applications.

Finally, the closing session will be devoted to an energetic and enlightening discussion on how to strengthen the partnership between the U of I and the Illinois agribusiness community.

Registration after December 16 or at the door will be $150. Special rates at participating hotels are available for those attending the conference. Participants will receive a copy of the Proceedings of the 2007 Crop Protection Technology Conference and the 2007 Illinois Agricultural Pest Management Handbook.

Certified Crop Advisor credits will be offered. Registration and program information on the 2007 Crop Protection Technology Conference is available by calling our conference coordinator Sandy Osterbur at (217)244-2124 or toll-free at (800)321-1296. Additional information and online registration are available at http://ipm.uiuc.edu/conferences/cptc/registration.html.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday season and I hope to see you at the conference.