A Multidisciplinary, Hands-On Crop Management Educational Program

Abstract

Crop production questions and problems are usually best-addressed in a field setting. A 2-d field educational program was designed and conducted at the University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station in Crookston. The primary objective was to educate participants in crop production management decisions via plot demonstrations. Five plot areas were designed to illustrate principles in five disciplines--weed management, soil fertility, crop morphology, entomology, and plant pathology. In each discipline's plot area, the instructors used combinations of demonstration plots, research plots, quizzes, lectures, and laboratory exercises to achieve their objectives. The administration of this program was comprised of state extension faculty, experiment station personnel, and area extension people. The budget was covered by tuition fees. Based on program evaluations, 71% of the respondents rated the overall program as excellent, and a majority of the respondents would like to have a similar program every year.