MSU to Host Barley and Sugarbeet Symposium Jan. 10-11

Montana State University, in conjunction with the University of Wyoming, will host a malt barley and sugarbeet symposium Jan. 10-11 at the Big Horn Resort in Billings.

The first day of the event will focus on barley production, precision agriculture techniques, reducing tilling practices and farming business issues. The keynote speaker will be Wade Malchow, sourcing manager for barley, malt and elevator operations with MillerCoors. The second day will focus on sugarbeet production, with Luther Markwart, executive vice president of the American Sugarbeet Growers Association, as the keynote speaker.

Additional speakers include Juliet Marshall with the Idaho Falls Research and Extension Center; Mark Boetel, North Dakota State University Research and Extension entomologist; Don Morishita, superintendent of Kimberly and Twin Falls Research and Extension Centers; and Andrew Kniss, associate professor of plant sciences at the University of Wyoming. Rebecca Larsen of Western Sugar and the Women of Biotech, who serve to promote the agricultural industry from the point of view of farmers, will speak as well.

Pesticide applicator credits will be available. Symposium registration and a full agenda is available online at http://www.msuextension.org/pspp/.

Pre-registration is $20 per day or $40 for both days. On-site registration is $25 per day.

For more information, contact Jessica Rupp, MSU assistant professor of plant sciences and plant pathology and Extension plant pathologist specialist, at [email protected] or (406) 994-5572.