November

21 Organic Gardening Day, Champaign

http://cropsci.illinois.edu/events/OGD112109.cfm

December

1-2 Illinois Ag Masters Conference (formerly Crop Protection Technologies Conf.), Champaign http://www.cropsciconferences.org/

11 Iowa/Illinois Fruit & Vegetable Growers Symposium, Bettendorf, IA

Email smithma@illinois.edu for more information

14 Farm Economic Summit, Champaign

http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/IFES/2009/

15 Farm Economic Summit, Bloomington

http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/IFES/2009/

15 Certified Livestock Manager Training and Certification

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/clmt/workshop_index.cfm

15 Private Pesticide Applicator Training, Lincoln Rec Center

https://webs.extension.uiuc.edu/registration/?RegistrationID=3688

January

7 Illinois Dairy Day, El Paso

Email hutjensm@uiuc.edu for more information

11 Corn & Soybean Classic, Springfield

http://www.cropsciconferences.com/illinois_corn_and_soybean_classic/

12 Corn & Soybean Classic, Bloomington

http://www.cropsciconferences.com/illinois_corn_and_soybean_classic/

February

2-3 Illinois Pork Producers Expo, Peoria

http://www.ilpork.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=146

3-4 West Central Illinois Crop Management Conference, Springfield

Email rcbellm@illinois.edu for more information

25 Illinois Performance Tested Bull Sale, Springfield

http://www.illinoisbeefexpo.com/

March

2-3 Illinois Small Fruit and Strawberry Schools, Mt. Vernon

Email jkindhar@illinois.edu for more information

9 Certified Livestock Manager Training, Springfield

http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/clmt/workshop_index.cfm

Illinois publishes machinery costs of operation, while some surrounding states conduct a survey of operators who perform custom work. What's the difference? The Illinois rate is actually what it costs to operate a piece of machinery including depreciation, maintenance, fuel, and labor. Iowa State University, for example conducts a survey, and releases the range and average prices charged for the various operations. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

To view the most recent Illinois calculations go here: http://www.farmdoc.uiuc.edu/manage/machinery/machinery_summary.html

Iowa survey results for 2009 custom rates are at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/FM1698.pdf and there are some of the more unique rates as well in the Iowa survey.

The Logan County date for Private Pesticide Applicator Training and Testing will be Tuesday, December 15, 2009. The session will be held at the Lincoln Recreation Center. Training will begin at 8:30 a.m., and testing should be concluded by 12:30 a.m. Once again, by statewide policy, there will be a $30 fee to attend the training. This is in addition to the license fee required by the Illinois Department of Agriculture. If you are interested in taking the exam only, and not attending the training session, please contact the office for the arrival time and to register separately. The other option is to take the exam by appointment in Springfield.

This session will allow training and testing for private applicators only. Attendees who successfully pass the exam would be allowed to purchase and apply restricted use products on ground they own or operate. Restricted use products include atrazine and most rootworm insecticides.

Pre-registration is required. Payment may be made at the door. Registration is limited. Online registration is also available from the home page for the Logan County site at www.extension.uiuc.edu/logan (towards the upper right hand corner). Online registration is the only way you can pay for training with a credit card, but you may still register in that manner and pay at the door or send in your training fee. If you are unable to attend our session, here is the web address of the entire schedule http://www.pesticidesafety.uiuc.edu/training/training.html after November 1. You may also check your license expiration date at this site.

Face-to-face sessions are available for all producers, with those over 1,000 animal units needing to successfully pass an exam at the conclusion of training. More information is available at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/clmt/workshop_index.cfm and the dates in the calendar of events section also have links to the site.

Another option exists for producers with less than 1,000 animal units. There is an online quiz program located at http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/clmt/clmt_quiz_intro.cfm .

2009 has been a challenging year to say the least. The weather conditions brought us several stalk and ear rots to contend with, the main one thus far being diplodia ear rot. There is a good fact sheet dealing with the different rots, and their management, at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/CropNews/2009/1002robertson.htm This site also contains pictures of each.

The University of Illinois will not engage in discrimination or harassment

against any person because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age,

marital status, disability, sexual orientation including gender identity, unfavorable

discharge from the military or status as a protected veteran and will comply with all

federal and state nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action laws,

orders and regulations. This nondiscrimination policy applies to admissions,

employment, access to and treatment in the University programs and activities.

If you are a person who needs a reasonable accommodation to participate in any of the listed programs or events, contact the event contact at the address, email, or phone number listed.