2025 West Florida Corn & Soybean Field Day – July 22

UF/IFAS Extension and the West Florida Research and Education Center (WFREC) invite growers, consultants, and ag industry professionals to attend the 2025 Corn & Soybean Field Day on Tuesday, July 22, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM CDT at the WFREC research farm in Jay, Florida.

This field day offers local producers the opportunity to learn directly from UF/IFAS faculty and industry leaders about the latest research and recommendations to enhance corn and soybean production in the Florida Panhandle. The program is designed to support timely decision-making for the growing season with a focus on sustainability, profitability, and regulatory compliance.

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Featured Topics and Presenters

Corn and Soybean Variety Updates
Murilo Morata (UF/IFAS Escambia County Extension) and Jennifer Bearden (UF/IFAS Okaloosa County Extension), alongside industry representatives, will provide an overview of the performance of various corn and soybean varieties under local growing conditions. Attendees will view variety plots and learn how to select hybrids best suited to the region.

Region-Specific Pest and Disease Management
Dr. Isaac Esquivel (UF/IFAS Entomology) will share updates on major insect pests impacting corn and soybeans in Northwest Florida, with emphasis on scouting and threshold-based treatment decisions.
Dr. Ian Small and Dr. Nick Dufault (UF/IFAS Plant Pathology) will follow with a session on common and emerging diseases, their impact on yield, and integrated disease management strategies.

Summer Weed Identification and Control Strategies
Dr. Ednaldo Borgato (UF/IFAS Weed Science) will demonstrate how to identify key summer weeds found in Panhandle corn and soybean fields and share herbicide recommendations and best management practices to improve weed control while preserving crop yield and minimizing resistance issues.

Fertility and Nutrient Management
Dr. Hardeep Singh (UF/IFAS Agronomy) will discuss optimal fertility strategies for both corn and soybeans, addressing nutrient needs throughout the season, soil test interpretations, and tools to increase nutrient use efficiency while protecting environmental resources.

Economics and Marketing Outlook
Dr. Kevin Athearn (UF/IFAS Extension Economist) will provide an outlook on corn and soybean markets, including current price trends, cost-of-production factors, and risk management strategies to help producers make informed marketing decisions.

Pesticide Regulations and CEU Opportunities
Ethan Carter (UF/IFAS Extension Regional Row Crop IPM Agent) will present the latest updates on pesticide use regulations affecting row crop producers and applicators.

Participants can earn up to 2 Florida Pesticide CEUs during the event.  Lunch will be provided.  This field day is a unique opportunity to stay connected with ongoing research and extension efforts while interacting directly with UF/IFAS specialists and fellow producers. Don’t miss it!

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Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Central Time
 Location: West Florida Research and Education Center, 4253 Experiment Road (Hwy 182), Jay, FL 32565

Registration:
The event is free, but pre-registration is encouraged.  Contact Robin Vickers at 850-983-7134 or rvickers@ufl.edu to reserve your spot, or for disability accommodations.