Agriculture and Natural Resources

Mason County "Crop Update"... is a monthly electronic newsletter that provides locally relevant pest management and crop development information to area producers and certified crop advisors. A companion site for "Crop Update" can also be accessed through our office web site.

Online CCA Training ... provides Certified Crop Advisors convenient access to earn continuing education credits to help maintain their CCA status. Mason County Extension worked with the Springfield Extension Center to author a series of high quality, online training modules.

Japanese Beetle Management ... became a strong focus as this new pest emerged locally, already beginning to decimate fruit trees and ornamentals in the urban and rural areas of Manito, Mason City, and San Jose. Mason County Extension provided needed perspective on the real impact of these exotic pests to row crops, and began the process of educating homeowners plagued by this ravenous leaf feeder.

Horticulture Education ... was expanded, offering a wider variety of lawn and gardening programs to clientele in several locations throughout the county. A few highlights were:

• "Four Seasons of Gardening" teleconferences were offered at Manito and Mason City Libraries, as well as the Extension office in Havana.
• Master Gardener Randy Bell received recognition for his exceptional volunteer efforts in the county MG program.
• Junior Master Gardener (JMG) youth program continued to grow.
• Monica David, State Master Gardner Coordinator of the University of Illinois, presented a Gardens of Italy Tour.
• Mason County Master Gardeners will begin to work with the Havana Public Library on a landscaping project and accompanying educational programming.