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MSU Extension Cropping Seminar Scheduled for January 13 in Fort Benton
Montana State University Extension will host a free, annual cropping seminar on January 13 at the Ag Center located at 1205 20th Street. Three commercial or private pesticide licensing recertification credits will be available. A special thanks to Max Ag for sponsoring the lunch in Fort Benton.
Cereal grain varieties update will be presented by Dr. Jed Eberly from MSU Central Agricultural Research Center and Peggy Lamb from MSU Northern Agricultural Research Center. Presentations will cover local test plot results and Integrated Pest Management of the wheat stem sawfly. Dr. Eberly is an Assistant Professor in Agronomy and Soil Microbiology. His responsibilities include managing the small grain variety trials and conducting research in soil microbiology for improving plant and soil health. Peggy Lamb is a Research Scientist in charge of the Variety Testing Program. Current collaborative research activities include variety development and testing of small grains and many other crops. She also conducts research on sawfly management, crop fertility, insecticides, fungicides, and crop management.
Progress in Pulse Crop Breeding for Montana will be presented by Dr. Kevin McPhee, MSU Pulse Breeder. Dr. McPhee’s research goals include development of high-yielding pulse crop (pea, lentil, and chickpea) varieties using conventional breeding approaches. New varieties are targeted with good agronomic characteristics, resistance to disease, and adaptability to environmental stresses present in Montana and regionally.
Dr. Kendra Lewis, OTR/L will present in Fort Benton on improving independence and function for individuals in agriculture living with a
disability or a specific need through the holistic approach of occupational therapy and client-centered adaptive equipment/assistive technology. Dr. Lewis is a Chouteau County native raised in the small town of Geraldine. Throughout her life, she has been surrounded by agriculture through her family’s business, Joyce Fuel and Feeds. After obtaining her bachelor’s degree at Montana State University, Kendra was eager to begin her path toward a career helping others help themselves. Kendra received her Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain College in 2021 and is now a professor for the program teaching rural, agricultural, mental health, and policy content. She is also the Founder/Executive Director of the nonprofit Cutting Fences Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to improve physical and mental well-being of individuals in agriculture and Veterans with disabilities. Through the foundation, she hosts Cutting Fences Podcast, where she interviews individuals in agriculture who have continued to farm and ranch despite disability or injury.
Soil fertility management will be presented by Dr. Manbir Rakkar. A variety of topics will be addressed including the 4Rs, acidity and volatilization of foliar applications. Dr. Rakkar is an Assistant Research Professor at Montana State University. Her research program is focused on resolving soil acidification issues. She is investigating various techniques to prevent, mitigate and adapt to soil acidification in Montana.
Estate planning will be presented by Dr. Marsha A. Goetting. Dr. Goetting is a Professor and Extension Family Economics Specialist at Montana State University in Bozeman. Dr. Goetting is well known throughout the state for her authorship of 50 fact sheets in the estate planning area.
There is no charge for the seminars, and all producers are encouraged to attend. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the first presentation will take place at 9:00 a.m. For further information, please contact Tyler Lane at 406-622-3751.
MSU Extension is an ADA/EO/AA/veteran’s preference employer and provider of educational outreach. If participants require accommodation for a disability to participate, they are asked to notify the local Extension office prior to the event.
