BASF announces On Target Application Academy schedule

As advanced crop protection products and spray technologies come to market – and weed resistance continues to challenge growers across the country – it’s simple to say that today’s weed management environment is becoming more complex. 

Developed by Bob Wolf, Ph.D., of Wolf Consulting and Research, TeeJet Technologies and BASF, with insight from a grower roundtable, the On Target Application Academy is a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity to provide growers extensive hands-on training for better awareness of herbicide application best practices.

“State certification courses and exams are important steps in ensuring proper herbicide application,” said Wolf. “The On Target Application Academy supplements these efforts, offering more detail around best management practices and factors that affect proper application.”  

The On Target Application Academy educates growers on new application technologies, plant biology and advancements in new product chemistries to help them achieve the most effective and sustainable weed control possible – and to help mitigate off target applications, which is a continuous area of focus for the agricultural industry.

Schedule of events (Additional event days will be announced as they are secured)*

July 10

 University of Illinois Field Day
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Assembly Hall, Tuscola, Illinois
Two sessions: 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Sign-up is required for this event.  Please contact us if you’d like to attend.

July 12
Southern Illinois University Belleville Research Center Field Day
SIU Belleville Research Center, Belleville, Illinois
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

July 17
Iowa State Advanced Spray Technology Clinic
Iowa State Field Extension Education Laboratory, Ames, Iowa
Two sessions: 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Register online.

July 18
Indiana Association of Professional Crop Consultants Day
Purdue Diagnostic Training Center, West Lafayette, Indiana
Two sessions: 12:30 p.m. and 2:15 p.m.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

July 24
University of Illinois Field Day
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Assembly Hall, Tuscola, Illinois
Two sessions: 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Register online.

July 25
Illinois Farm Bureau Commodities Conference
Bloomington-Normal Marriott, Bloomington, Illinois
10:20 a.m. to 12:20 p.m.
Register online.

July 26
Milan No-Till Field Day
University of Tennessee Ag Research and Education Center – BASF exhibit, Milan, Tennessee
Two sessions planned – starting times will be announced later.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

July 27
Hefty Seeds Big Grower Field Tour – BASF exhibit, Baltic, South Dakota
Two sessions planned – starting times will be announced later.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

August - TBD
Ohio Soybean Council Field Day
Agribusiness Council of Indiana Field Tour
Traylors Customer Field Day
Visit the BASF website for more information.

September 5
BASF Grower Field Day
BASF Research Farm, Beaver Crossing, Nebraska
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

September 12
North Carolina State University Cotton Field Day
Upper Coastal Research Station, Rocky Mount, North Carolina
Four sessions planned – starting times will be announced later.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

September 27
Iowa State University Advanced Spray Technology Clinic
Iowa State Field Extension Education Laboratory, Ames, Iowa
Two sessions: 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Online registration will open this summer.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

November 27
BASF Grower Field Day
Site TBD, Mendota, Illinois
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

November 28
BASF Grower Field Day
Beck Agricultural Center, West Lafayette, Indiana
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

November 30
BASF Production Agriculture Seminar
Owens Community College, Findlay, Ohio
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Visit the BASF website for more information.

“We’re excited about the programs we’ve been able to join as they not only provide a great opportunity to reach growers, but also include academic, manufacturer and industry representatives who will cover an array of topics, including plant biology, research and weed resistance management programs,” Luke Bozeman, Technical Market Manager, BASF, said.

Bozeman said growers will walk away with a deeper understanding of new technologies to ensure on target applications, better train employees, maximize yields, protect input investments, and protect lifelong investments in their crops.

Wolf, who is the lead trainer for the On Target Application Academy, said, “At the heart of the training is a detailed overview of new product and equipment technologies, training on proper equipment set up, including calibration, nozzle selection and clean-out, and a review of best practices for self-application.”

The On Target Application Academy recommends the following best practices:

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Develop proactive weed resistance management plans.
• Evaluate environmental factors before you spray.
• Select the proper nozzle for best results.
• Calibrate your sprayer.
• Be aware of cropping rotations in your area.
• Clean your equipment.
• Select proper spray adjuvants to maximize product performance.
• Configure your equipment to achieve on target application for effective  weed control.
• Keep proper records.
• Handle, store and dispose of products according to label directions.

The On Target Application Academy is offered at no cost to attendees. For questions or to sign up for an event, please contact us. For more information about the On Target Application Academy, please visit http://lists.serverhost.net/link.php?M=40242152&N=34509&L=32738&F=H.

*Check the website often for schedule updates.