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By Tana Shealey

Soybean and cotton producers from central Alabama are invited to participate in an upcoming pest management and scouting workshop being held in Shorter next month. All are invited to participate in the 66th Cotton and Soybean Pest Management Scouting Short Course offered by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES). This free event will be held on June 10 at Milstead Gin, 5746 County Road 40 in Shorter.

Extension Agent Christy Hicks said the short course is perfect for farmers’ questions and research-fueled answers. 

“Stakeholders will learn how to identify pests in cotton and soybeans. They will also learn what the economic threshold is of each pest and recommended control measures. We will teach sprayer set up as well,” Hicks added.

Anyone who attends ACES workshops regularly, like I do, even though I am not a soybean or cotton producer, knows that participants are encouraged to talk one-to-one with the Extension Agents and Specialists as part of the learning process. I recall a discussion that Entomologist Scott Graham led once that made me want to grab a net, run into a field, and start scouting bugs. 

“There will be time for open discussion for anyone who wants to ask questions or discuss challenges they faced last year, and how best to manage those challenges in 2025,” Hicks confirmed.

Hicks and the agronomic team have a way of making all of us feel comfortable whether we are beginning farmers or experienced cotton, corn, or soybean producers. They listen and teach what we need to know for what we are trying to do.

The workshop’s discussion of topics includes a cotton agronomic update, management of key soybean insects and information on management of secondary cotton insect pests. Research will also be presented in the management of tarnished plant bugs, managing insects in ThyrvOn Cotton, and management of cotton and peanut diseases.

Also, Hicks said participants will learn about emerging issues impacting growers in the Black Belt Region.

“The red-banded stink bug is a pest that is becoming more prevalent in soybeans in West Alabama, and that topic will be discussed during our workshop,” Hicks stated.

For more information, call Agent Hicks at (334) 925-2493 or (334) 548-2315. This event is open to the public. 

Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity employer and educator. All are welcome.

Tana Shealey is Lowndes County Extension Director.