Kentucky IPM - Field Crops

Until 1993, the main function of the IPM Program in Kentucky was to coordinate county-based programs in which scouts monitored fields on a weekly basis, looking for developing insect, weed, or disease problems. Data were analyzed and returned to the cooperating farmer in weekly and annual summary reports. The IPM program worked with the County Cooperative Extension office to provide training and support for the scouts. County-based programs continue to be a part of the IPM Program in Kentucky, but this function has diminished as scouting has gradually been transferred to the private sector.
	Training sessions covering techniques for scouting alfalfa, corn, soybeans, small grains, and tobacco were attended by over 100 farmers and employees of professional scouting services in 1996.
The Kentucky IPM Program provides support for county extension personnel to develop special interest training packages for their counties. Because of the high price of wheat in 1996, farmers became interested in learning more about growing wheat on their farms. With support from the Kentucky IPM Program and the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association, a county extension agent in an area not usually devoted to wheat production, developed a regional "Intensive Wheat Training" workshop for his growers. IPM materials were included in the resource notebook provided and Extension specialists from the IPM work group presented the training. Approximately 200 growers attended the workshop.

	Original document: 13 April 1998 Last updated: 24 April 2001