NEW TRENDS PROGRAM TO FOCUS ON AG OUTLOOK, CROP MARKETING

JACKSON -- Crop marketing, price forecasts and agriculture outlook are among topics to be discussed during the New Trends in Crop Productions seminar Thursday at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

The day-long program, which is expected to attract between 175 to 200 people, will also feature topics on herbicide technology and usage, soil fertility and other topics suggested by area farmers during a pre-conference survey.

The trade show will feature approximately 30 exhibitors providing information on weed control, current agriculture products and other items of interest.

The program is sponsored by Missouri's University Extension and the Agronomy Committee. Registration will be at 8 a.m.

There will be a number of featured speakers throughout the day.

Keith Allen of Missouri Farm Bureau will discuss the agriculture outlook and farm crop marketing.

David Guethle of Missouri University Extension in Bloomfield and George Kupusta of Southern Illinois University will discuss new herbicides, usage and application techniques.

There are a number of new herbicide products and formulations on the market for the 1997 cropping season, said Bryan.

Guethle and Kupusta will discuss the effect of yields resulting from herbicide and variety interactions. Recent tests have show great differences in yield effects on crop varieties due to differing herbicides and their timing. Gallons per acre and speed of herbicide application will be highlighted during the program.

Other speakers will include Bill Baker of the University of Arkansas-Marianna, who will discuss measuring field variability using yield monitors, and Loyd Murdock of the University of Kentucky-Princeton, who will discuss soil fertility basics for plant growth.

He will discuss the use of lime, phosphorus, potash and nitrogen to improve crop productions.