The Academy will serve newcomers to agriculture, growers who have yet to adopt IPM, or those interested in a refresher course. This two-day program will be held at the Kellogg Center on the Michigan State University campus in East Lansing, Michigan (view map). The program will cover basic theories of IPM and introduce vocabulary and topic areas necessary to understand more advanced concepts.

Day 1 will include an introduction to the principals of IPM with topics such as Entomology 101, Plant Physiology, and Pest Scouting. The Academy is thrilled to be hosting Dr. Barry Jacobsen from the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology at Montana State University.  Dr. Jacobsen has an extensive background in IPM and is on the Board of Directors for the IPM Institute of North America. As our keynote speaker, Dr. Jacobsen will discuss the philosophy of IPM and explain the reasoning behind the ever evolving management strategies of IPM that have revolutionized agricultural production.

During the second day of the program, participants will opt into two concurrent half-day sessions to learn about IPM strategies in a number of crop systems including:

• Strawberries and raspberries
• Grapes
• Blueberries
• Pome fruit
• Stone fruit
• Vegetables; cucurbits, cole crops, onions, celery, and carrots
• Vegetables; peas, beans, sweet corn, asparagus, tomatoes, and peppers
• Hops
• Woody ornamentals; conifers
• Woody ornamentals; deciduous trees and shrubs
• Small grains and forages; wheat, alfalfa, and mixed hay
• Field crops; corn and soybeans

View or download our agenda.

MSU Extension publications and other resources related to Integrated Pest Management -- pocket-sized scouting guides and more -- will be for sale on Day 2. Purchases will be by cash and check only, however, the Kellogg Center has an ATM in its south lobby for those wishing to access bank accounts for cash.

Credits
Certified crop advisor credits (9) and pesticide recertification credits (16) will be available.

Registration and accommodations
The cost of the program is $225 and registration is open from January 3 until February 13, 2012. Registrations postmarked or submitted after February 13 are subject to a $75 late fee (for a total of $300) and may not be honored. Beginning on January 3, online registration will become available via this website. You may also register via mail by downloading the IPM Academy brochure and completing the registration form on the back.

Lodging for this event is not included in the registration, however rooms have been reserved at two hotels and will be held until February 1.  You may make your reservation by following the links below or via phone:

Kellogg Center - ($95) Reservation Line: (800) 875-5090, reference group IPM021912. 

East Lansing Marriott at University Place - ($114)  Reservations (517)337-4440, reference group IPM Academy.

A light breakfast, snacks, lunch, parking and Wi-Fi will be provided at the Kellogg Center. Dinner and lodging are not included.

For more information about the IPM Academy, please contact Erin Lizotte via email or call (231)944-6504.