TENNESSEE  -  According to the USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture for Rutherford County, soybeans are planted on 10,181 acres locally, making the crop second only to forage in terms of acreage. That statistic highlights why farmers in the area should pay close attention to the latest research coming out of the University of Tennessee.

Two hours west of Rutherford County, in Milan, row crop producers will have the opportunity to learn the latest disease and insect management strategies at the annual Soybean Disease and Insect Field Day. The free event, hosted by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA), is set for September 9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the AgResearch and Education Center at Milan, with on-site registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.

The day will feature hands-on, guided demonstrations that allow farmers to identify diseases that can threaten yield, such as frogeye leaf spot, target spot, and septoria brown spot. Extension specialists will also present findings from recent variety trials and ongoing research into fungicide effectiveness, pesticide selection, and crop defoliation strategies.

“Our team is excited to share recommendations formulated through decades of research,” said Heather Kelly, Extension specialist and plant pathologist. “We especially want to highlight newer diseases such as taproot decline, which we first identified in Tennessee in 2017. It causes severe rot of the plant’s taproot system, and staying informed is critical for managing any diseases you might encounter.”

In addition to disease updates, insect management will take center stage. Attendees will learn how to identify pests such as aphids, loopers, spider mites, and stink bugs, along with predictions on late-season infestations. Demonstrations on harvest aids will also be featured, led by UT Extension specialists Sebe Brown and Jake McNeal.

Farmers who attend will not only gain valuable knowledge but can also earn pesticide recertification and Certified Crop Adviser points. A complimentary boxed lunch will be provided at the conclusion of the tour.

The AgResearch and Education Center at Milan is located at 3 Ledbetter Gate Road in Milan, Tennessee. For ongoing updates on row crop diseases and insect management, visit utcrops.com or contact your local county Extension office.