Doug Harlan is the Unit Leader for University of Illinois Extension Macon County Unit. After spending 11 years as a logistics officer in the U.S. Army, Harlan began his Extension career in 1994 as the Director of the Procurement Technical Assistance Center and Community and Economic Development Educator in Decatur, Illinois. He is the former County Extension Director for the Moultrie-Douglas Extension Unit in Arthur, IL. Harlan held that position from October 2001 until February 2006. He is currently serving in an active US Army Reserve Unit and returned in February 2006 from his second yearlong deployment to Kuwait and Iraq.

Harlan accepted his present position in March of 2006. He received his Bachelor's degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University in 1983 and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Illinois in 2000. Harlan is a 2002 Graduate of the National Extension Leadership Development Program (NELD). He is an active member and past president of the Illinois Small Business Development Association. Harlan is a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi and the Illinois Extension Agriculture Association. Harlan's professional certifications include Certified Small Business Specialist, Illinois Small Business Development Association and Associate Contracting Assistance Specialist, Association of Government Marketing Assistance Specialists.

Tools for the Growing Season
The crops are in the ground and we are off to the start of a great growing season. Soon we will be walking fields to monitor the progress of the crops and looking for possible threats from disease and pests. The University of Illinois Publications has available four great tools to aid in crop scouting: The Illinois Agronomy Handbook; Crop Scouting Manual; Soybean Rust Assessment Tool; and Folding Pocket Magnifier 20x.

Illinois Agronomy Handbook 23rd Addition
This handbook is designed from farmers and landowner's recommendations for optimum production for soybean, corn, forages and small grains. Information is based on Crop Scouting Manual This manual is designed to aid in identification and evaluation of common problems in the field. It describes nutrient deficiencies, herbicide injuries, insects, diseases, weeds and other agronomic crop problems. This manual is filled with color photos, line drawings, and scouting worksheets and guidelines. The cost of this manual is $55.00.

Soybean Rust Assessment Tool
This tool is designed to be used in the field when scouting for soybean rust, this durable assessment card comes on a retractable holder with lanyard. On one side, the card shows actual 1%, 3%, 5%, and 10% infected leaf tissue with lesions. The reverse side describes assessment steps. The cost of the assessment tool is $8.99.

Folding Pocket Magnifier 20x
Soybean rust lesions are small and good magnification is required for proper examination. This high-quality, 20x folding pocket magnifier with lanyard and carry case is recommended by scouting experts as an essential part of your scouting tools. The cost of this scouting tool is $29.99. You can order any of these items through University of Illinois Publications Website at http://webstore.aces.uiuc.edu/shopsite/ or you can call the Macon Unit Extension office at (217) 877-6042; we will order the publications for you and they will be at the office in approximately two business days.

Maroa-Forsyth and Mt Zion FFA Chapter each received a donation from Main Street Bank & Trust Farm Management Department. Main Street Bank & Trust is co-sponsoring the University of Illinois Extension Macon County 2006 Corn and Soybean Research Plot located south of Elwin. The Maroa- Forsyth FFA Chapter was involved in the planting of the corn plot and the Mt Zion Chapter assisted in planting the soybean plot. The experience provided an excellent opportunity for the students to get hands on experience working in field research, as well as, an opportunity to work with the University Educator, Farm Managers, and Seed Company Representatives. The students are involved with the vocational FFA Chapter at the schools and are looking forward to futures in agricultural related fields.

Main Street Bank & Trust Farm Management Department made the donations as a way to support the work of the chapters in youth development. Robert Richardson, agricultural instructor, at Maroa-Forsyth and N.P. Das, agricultural instructor at Mt. Zion Senior High School provide leadership for the students.

The seed plot contains 53 corn hybrids and 51 soybean varieties from 19 companies providing local farmers and landowners with an opportunity to take a first hand look at the seed companies products. The plot is open for inspection of the crop during daylight hours. The University of Illinois Extension/Main Street Bank & Trust Plot Day will be August 22 at the Snow Farm south of Elwin.