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Exhibitor Move-In

Dec. 16th - Exhibitor Move-In - 12 Noon - 5 PM

Location
Lobby TRCC
Summary
Exhibitors' window to move in their equipment and supplies for their booth setups

December 16th - Industry Reception - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Dec. 16th Industry Reception - 5:00PM - 7:00PM

Location
Lobby TRCC
Summary
Join us for our industry reception in the lobby of the Three Rivers Convention Center.

Registration Table Opens

Dec. 17th Registration Table Opens - 6:30 AM

Location
Lobby TRCC
Summary
Come and pick up your packet and goodies! Get ready for a day or learning and networking.

Mir Seyedbagheri - Pending Topic

Dec. 17th Dryland Session 1 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location
Meeting Room C
Speakers
  • Mir Seyedbagheri - Director of Research & Development
    Mir-M Seyedbagheri is a soil agronomist, biometerologist, and professor emeritus at the University of Idaho. He is a pioneer in humic substances research, in particular, with regard to its use in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, Mir has been recognized nationally and internationally for his groundbreaking achievements in solubilizing the humin portion of humates. NASA has also included his long-term research in their space soil and plant biology project. Mir's other myriad of honors include twenty-three national and international awards for his humic substances research, as well as his work on soil health, nutrient management, and the natural intelligence of soil, plant, and water relationships in regenerative ag. He presently serves as director of research and development for Washington State-based BioGro, Inc.

How to approach soil health products

Dec. 17th Irrigated Session 1 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location
Meeting Room D
Speakers
  • Andrew McGuire
    Andrew McGuire has been with Washington State University Extension (Grant County) since 1999. He works with farmers to implement solutions to irrigated farming challenges in the Columbia Basin. Past work included high residue farming systems for irrigated crops and use of mustard green manures for potato production.
Summary
The presentation emphasizes approaching soil health products with open-minded skepticism, due to their often exaggerated marketing claims, lack of independent research, and inconsistent performance across diverse soil conditions. While the appeal of quick fixes is strong, the presentation argues that soil health is best improved through proven agronomic practices—specifically, maximizing photosynthesis and minimizing tillage. These practices enhance soil structure and biology over time, unlike most bio-products, which often fail due to environmental incompatibility and competition from native microbes. The presentation encourages asking critical questions about product goals, mechanisms, and return on investment, and concludes that practices, not products, are the foundation of lasting soil health. Soil & Water CEU - 1

Herbicide resistant Italian Rye: Lessons in managing 4-way resistant biotypes

Dec. 17th Pesticide Session 1 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location
Meeting Room G
Speakers
  • Morgan Menaker - Regional Extension Agronomist
    Morgan Menaker is a Regional Extension Agronomist with Washington State University Extension. He is based out of the Whitman County Extension Office, located in Colfax, WA with regional responsibility for Whitman, Asotin, Garfield, Columbia and Walla Walla Counties. Morgan received his Masters in Plant Science and Pest Management from Virginia Tech and previously worked for NC State Extension as a Field Crops Extension Agent for four years where he conducted and hosted multiple research projects in winter wheat, corn, soybean, cotton and sesame.
Summary
Italian ryegrass has become one of the most notorious weeds in U.S. small grain systems, threatening yields and complicating crop establishment in Spring and Summer rotations. In Union County, North Carolina, four-way herbicide-resistant biotypes have emerged in no-till dryland systems that include soft red winter wheat, field corn, soybeans, and cotton. As PNW growers adopt and transition to no-till practices, the risk of overreliance on chemical control increases, putting selection pressure on agronomic pests. This session will highlight how Extension researchers and innovative growers have worked together to break the vicious cycle through integrated management strategies that combine cultural, biological, and chemical methods—offering practical insights and proven practices. Pest Management CEU - 1 State Pesticide Credits: WA/ID/OR/UT/NV (Pending upon approval)

Mir Seyedbagheri - Pending Topic

Dec. 17th Dryland Session 2 - 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM

Location
Meeting Room C
Speakers
  • Mir Seyedbagheri - Director of Research & Development
    Mir-M Seyedbagheri is a soil agronomist, biometerologist, and professor emeritus at the University of Idaho. He is a pioneer in humic substances research, in particular, with regard to its use in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, Mir has been recognized nationally and internationally for his groundbreaking achievements in solubilizing the humin portion of humates. NASA has also included his long-term research in their space soil and plant biology project. Mir's other myriad of honors include twenty-three national and international awards for his humic substances research, as well as his work on soil health, nutrient management, and the natural intelligence of soil, plant, and water relationships in regenerative ag. He presently serves as director of research and development for Washington State-based BioGro, Inc.

Protect your crop during heat waves

Dec. 17th Irrigated Session 2 - 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM

Location
Meeting Room D
Speakers
  • Carrie Wohleb - Professor and Extension Specialist
    Dr. Carrie H. Wohleb is a Professor and Extension Specialist with Washington State University. Her programs aim to improve the productivity and sustainability of vegetable and seed crop production in the irrigated areas of the Columbia Basin. She works out of the WSU Grant County Extension office in Moses Lake. Carrie’s current areas of interest are: (1) investigating and resolving emerging problems in vegetable and seed crops, (2) pest monitoring and other aspects of integrated pest management, and (3) developing decision support tools and educational materials for vegetable and seed producers. Carrie earned a B.S. degree in botany (plant physiology) from the University of Washington, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in horticulture (potato physiology and potato agronomy) from Washington State University. She worked as an agronomist on a potato farm for 8 years before returning to Washington State University in 2008.
Summary
Heat stress can have many and various negative impacts on plant growth and development. But the severity of heat stress and plant responses depends on many factors. In this presentation, I will discuss some of the ways that plants acclimate to and tolerate heat, including important biochemical, morphological, and physiological changes. Then I will give several examples of heat stress injury and disorders affecting various vegetable crops. The presentation will end with some practical strategies for mitigating heat stress in irrigated crops. Crop Management CEU - 1

Endangered Species Act and Industry Response

Dec. 17th Pesticide Session 2 - 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM

Location
Meeting Room G
Speakers
  • Ian Crawford - Strategic Account Manager
    25 years experience in Ag Retail and Manufacturer's representative. Previous roles as Crop Advisor in Ag Retail (Plant Foods, Inc.) Technical Agronomist, Adjuvant Portfolio Manager and Senior Sustainability Manager at J.R. Simplot Co. Current role as Strategic Account Manager and Western U.S. Team Leader at Precision Laboratories.
Summary
EPA and CPDA have collaborated on strategy for herbicides, insecticides, and fungicide set back restrictions. Approved Drift Reduction Adjuvants have a role here to minimize setback restrictions. Crawford will give latest updated information on how this will be implemented, using information from CPDA (Council of Producers and Distributors of Agrotechnology). Pest Management CEU - 1 State Pesticide Credits: WA/ID/OR/UT/NV (Pending upon approval)

Leaf sap analysis for nutrient management

Dec. 17th Dryland Session 3 - 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Location
Meeting Room C
Speakers
  • David Knaus - President and Founder
    David Knaus is the President and Founder of Apical Crop Science LLC, an ag-tech company that combines laboratory analysis, smart data management, and sustainable growing products to provide growers with the tools they need to grow high-yielding crops organically. As a successful farmer, college instructor, and professional crop advisor for over 10 years each, he offers a unique perspective into the challenges farmers face, and how to use the best of academic research field agronomy, and laboratory analytics to drive smart in-field decision-making that has helped growers across the country and internationally.
Summary
What is Leaf Sap Analysis and how is it different, similar and complimentary to other forms of analysis What are some basic use cases for leaf sap analysis (in season fertilization monitoring, toxicity diagnostics, stress mgt). What are some basic sampling protocols for some common crops grown in the PNW What do reports look like, and how can they be interpreted. Case Studies of successful implementation in (Grains, Fruit, Veg, Legumes, Alfalfa, Specialty Crops). Nutrient Management CEU - 1

Synergies to enhance ROI

Dec. 17th Irrigated Session 3 - 10:30AM - 11:30AM

Location
Meeting Room D
Speakers
  • Christi Falen - Agronomist and Product Lead – Biostimulants and Specialty Foliar Products
    ICL agronomists are specialized experts in agricultural science, focusing on optimizing crop nutrition strategies and sustainability practices. They collaborate closely with researchers, product leads and technical sales managers to provide tailored agronomic guidance, support field trials, and facilitate knowledge transfer to ensure effective implementation of advanced agricultural solutions. Christi has over 25 years of experience with irrigated and dryland cropping systems. She is passionate about applying research and innovations to enhance farm ROI and environmental benefits. Christi holds a BS in Natural Resource Management from the University of Alaska and an MS in Soil Science from the University of Idaho and is a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).
Summary
Discover synergistic interactions in soils and crops that enhance the return on investment (ROI) at the farm gate. Increasing enzymatic activity in the soil unlocks nutrient cycling. Providing microbial food to stimulate diverse populations along with key nutrition is a critical step. Synergistic applications that increase root growth transcend to nutrient and water use efficiency. Enhanced efficiency fertilizers and/or bio stimulants paired with critical micro and macro nutrients translates to improved photosynthesis and yield. As we compile each piece together, the combined effect is increased ROI. Nutrient Management CEU - 1

Winning the battle on herbicide resistant weeds

Dec. 17th Pesticide Session 3 - 10:30 AM - 11:30 A

Location
Meeting Room G
Speakers
  • Aaron Esser - Extension Regional Agronomist
    Aaron Esser is a Washington State University Extension Regional Agronomist based in Lincoln-Adams County, where he has served since 1998. He provides research-based education and leadership to wheat and small grain producers across eastern Washington, focusing on conservation tillage, cropping systems, soil health, weed management, and farm business practices. Aaron coordinates large-scale on-farm research trials, fosters collaboration between growers, industry, and researchers, and has been a key leader in advancing sustainable dryland wheat production in the inland Pacific Northwest. He also serves as the Chair for the WSU Wilke Research and Extension Farm near Davenport, WA.
Summary
Broadleaf and grassy weed control in cereal grain cropping systems continue to be a challenge for farmers throughout the Pacific Northwest. Farms continue to experience limited control of downy brome with multiple group 2 herbicide applications, and University Weed Scientist have documented numerous cases of herbicide resistant biotypes. Roundup resistant Russian thistle has also become prevalent in our cereal grain cropping systems. This talk will focus on residual herbicide application for downy brome and troublesome broadleaf weeds in summer fallow and annual cropping systems and will include products like Anthem Flex, Valor, Metribuzin, and Fierce. This presentation will also focus heavily on the CoAXium and Beyond wheat systems as well as using mechanical and biological weed control. Pest Management CEU - 1 State Pesticide Credits: WA/ID/OR/UT/NV (Pending upon approval)

Keynote Luncheon

Dec. 17th - Keynote Lunch - 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Location
Grand Ballroom
Speakers
  • Alex McGregor - Chairman
    Alex spent his childhood years in Hooper and Pullman, WA – gaining life lessons from both the ranch and the “big city.” Ever a faithful WSU Cougar, he does hold degrees from Whitman College and University of Washington. Alex joined the family business in 1976 under the reigns of his father, Sherman McGregor. Every day since, he has played an integral role in the history of The McGregor Company and continues to be an influential voice for the agricultural industry, always fighting for the best interests of our farming families and their communities.

Does recent toxicological research change our understanding of Glyphosate's safety?

Dec. 17th Pesticide Session 4 - 1:10PM - 2:10PM

Location
Meeting Room G
Speakers
  • Allan Felsot - Professor
    Professor Felsot holds tenure in the Department of Entomology at Washington State University (WSU). Since 1993, he has been stationed in the WSU Food and Environmental Quality Lab in Richland, WA. From 1978-1993, he was a project leader for pesticide chemistry and toxicology research in the Illinois Natural History Survey at the University of Illinois. Professor Felsot has an intensive involvement in teaching, routinely instructing four courses per semester, including General Entomology, Ecological & Integrated Pest Management, Plant Physiology, Agricultural Chemical Technology for Crop Protection, Biotechnology and the Environment, Pesticides and the Environment, and The Ecosystem. Current research activities have been focused on probabilistic risk assessments of environmental contaminants, especially pesticides. Professor Felsot also serves as specialist in environmental chemistry and toxicology for WSU Extension. Professor Felsot had served on the Science Policy Committee of the Entomological Society of America and for six years was subject matter expert liaison to the U.S. EPA Office of Pesticide Programs in a special cooperative program with the agency. He is currently on the Washington State Department of Agriculture’s Pesticide Advisory Board (representing the public).
Summary
During May 2025 a new academic paper was published in the journal Environmental Health by scientists associated with the Ramazzini Institute, a research laboratory based in Italy (Panzacchi et al. 2025). This paper reported on experiments to test the carcinogenicity potential of glyphosate active ingredient and two Roundup-like formulations in rats. The study authors concluded, “In all 3 treatment groups, statistically significant dose-related increased trends or increased incidences of benign and malignant tumors at multiple anatomic sites were observed compared to historical and concurrent controls.” To environmental advocacy groups, this conclusion was red meat and the media ate it up with claims that glyphosate is a cancer causer and implying that all the hundreds of lawsuits against the manufacturer Bayer are warranted. However, closer examination of the data, not the public noise, shows that neither glyphosate nor its formulations can be credibly concluded to be carcinogenic and in fact, the data show just the opposite. The Ramazzini study will be examined in this presentation, especially in the context of a newly published study about exposure levels in the general public and to workers using pesticides (Solomon 2025). Combining the data proving extremely low exposure of the public and workers to glyphosate along with actual cancer statistics (based on the NCI SEER cancer database), I will argue the recently published data actually shows that glyphosate and its formulations lack any potency for causing cancer. Pest Management CEU - 1 State Pesticide Credits: WA/ID/OR/UT/NV (Pending upon approval)

Salts and how to deal with them

Dec. 17th Dryland Session 4 - 1:10 PM - 2:10 PM

Location
Meeting Room C
Speakers
  • Ian Crawford - Strategic Account Manager
    25 years experience in Ag Retail and Manufacturer's representative. Previous roles as Crop Advisor in Ag Retail (Plant Foods, Inc.) Technical Agronomist, Adjuvant Portfolio Manager and Senior Sustainability Manager at J.R. Simplot Co. Current role as Strategic Account Manager and Western U.S. Team Leader at Precision Laboratories.
Summary
Understanding salts, sodium, and their effect on crop production. Source of salts and how to manage them in season and after growing season, permanent and annual crops. Mitigation with bio stimulants and soil amendments. Soil & Water CEU - 1

Feeding crops smarter: Balanced nutrients for yield, quality and resilience

Dec. 17th Irrigated Session 4 - 1:10PM - 2:10PM

Location
Meeting Room D
Speakers
  • Kiran Mann - Research Leader
    With over 20 years of experience in crop nutrition management and the fertilizer industry, Kiran has dedicated her work to developing sustainable customer-centric solutions by translating complex science into actionable strategies. Kiran joined Anglo-American in 2023, where she leads research initiatives focused on advanced agricultural technologies and aligning scientific innovation with customer needs. Previously, she led research and development at The Mosaic Company for 12+years. Kiran received her Ph.D. from the University of Florida, where she implemented precise citrus nutrition management solutions for the variable soils. Currently, Kiran is based in Minnesota.
Summary
Current crop nutrition challenges of climate change, nutritional imbalances, and soil degradation require a holistic nutrient management approach. Using multi-nutrient plant nutrition sources that can provide a season-long nutrient supply, enhance nutrient use efficiency and yield, while building resilience of the soil-plant-environment interface is a promising solution. POLY4®, a granulated polyhalite product of Anglo-American plc. (www.poly4.com) is a natural mineral containing potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S) that has multiple above-mentioned benefits. The talk will cover the complementary role of polyhalite in 4R nutrient management of irrigated cropping systems, sharing its features and benefits via multiple years of sound global research, along with discussing the science behind its benefits. The talk will also demonstrate how the balanced crop nutrition with the secondary nutrients released slowly from polyhalite can improve yield performance in potatoes, tree nuts, and forages, offering a cost-efficient strategy with high potential to enhance grower returns.

Event Break - Silent Auction Bidding Begins!

Dec. 17th - Event Break - 2:20 PM - 3:00 PM

Location
Lobby TRCC
Summary
Snack Attack! Take a break from your classes or networking and have a tasty snack. Browse our items we for silent auction and make your bids.

The Sulphur system: Incorporating Sulphur Bentonite and ThioSul in Crop Production

Dec. 17th Dryland Session 5 - 3:10 PM - 4:10 PM

Location
Meeting Room C
Speakers
  • Wesley Haun - Senior Agronomist
    Wesley Haun is senior agronomist with Tiger-Sul Products, LLC. He coordinates soil fertility and crop nutrition research with various research organizations in United States of America and internationally. He conducts agronomic educational programs that emphasize benefits of a complete plant nutrient management program. Wesley received his Bachelor of Science Degree with major in Agricultural Mechanization and a Master's Degree with major in Plant & Soil Science from the University of Tennessee. His professional certifications include Certified Professional Agronomist, Certified Professional Soil Scientist, and Certified Crop Adviser. He has a diverse agronomy background that spans retail sales/consulting at farm gate to agronomist at regional, national, and international levels.
  • Danica Kluth - Agronomist
    Danica Kluth is the Pacific Northwest Regional Agronomist with Tessenderlo Kerley. She received her M.S. degree in Soil and Crop Science from Colorado State University. Danica has gained experience with USDA and in the seed industry which has broadened her understanding of the need for agronomic recommendations based on all diagnostic tools and research. She is located in southern ldaho and is excited to support dealers and farmers in the PNW by helping tailor their fertility programs to meet their unique crop needs.
Summary
Evaluating and managing adverse soil conditions where pH tends to be a major factor can be challenging. Some of those challenging situations include alkaline, saline, sodic, and saline/sodic soils. Each condition presents unique challenges to minimize its crop yield limiting effects. Sulphur bentonite can be employed to manage these soil conditions. ln addition, thiosulfates can provide a dual benefit by providing sulphur and enhancing availability of other nutrients in a soluble, plant-available form. There is potential to improve nutrient use efficiency in challenging soil environments. Their interaction in the soil can aid in leaching excess salts, reducing localized pH imbalances, and improving overall root zone conditions for better crop performance. Nutrient Management CEU - 1

Mir Seyedbagheri - Pending Topic

Dec. 17th Irrigated Session 5 - 3:10PM - 4:10PM

Location
Meeting Room D
Speakers
  • Mir Seyedbagheri - Director of Research & Development
    Mir-M Seyedbagheri is a soil agronomist, biometerologist, and professor emeritus at the University of Idaho. He is a pioneer in humic substances research, in particular, with regard to its use in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, Mir has been recognized nationally and internationally for his groundbreaking achievements in solubilizing the humin portion of humates. NASA has also included his long-term research in their space soil and plant biology project. Mir's other myriad of honors include twenty-three national and international awards for his humic substances research, as well as his work on soil health, nutrient management, and the natural intelligence of soil, plant, and water relationships in regenerative ag. He presently serves as director of research and development for Washington State-based BioGro, Inc.

Weather guided, precision & automated spray application technologies

Dec. 17th Pesticide Session 5 - 3:10PM - 4:10PM

Location
Meeting Room G
Speakers
  • Lav Khot - Director of AgWeatherNet and Professor of Precision Ag
    Dr. Lav R. Khot is the Director of AgWeatherNet and Professor of Precision Agriculture at Washington State University. Under his leadership, AgWeatherNet is undergoing a major infrastructure upgrade to establish a mesoscale weather sensing network in the state of Washington. This network provides crucial weather data and decision support, enhancing the resilience of Washington's agriculture, animal, and human health systems. His research and extension program in precision agriculture focuses on integrating advanced sensing and automation technologies to improve the efficiency of irrigated and tree fruit crop production. Dr. Khot is playing a leadership role in bringing AI-driven tools in Washington agriculture through the USDA-NIFA funded AgAID Institute, where he co-leads the Farm Operations Intelligence thrust efforts. He is also leading collaborative efforts that has established the first-of-its-kind public-private partnership-driven 'Smart Apple Orchard Testbed' in commercial settings for effective smart ag-tech evaluation and grower education.
Summary
How open and field weather and forecasts can be used for deciding optimal spray windows and planning in advance. State-of-art on ground and aerial precision and automated spray application systems and their role in WA Ag. Pest Management CEU - 1 State Pesticide Credits: WA/ID/OR/UT/NV (Pending upon approval)

Advocacy Reception and Silent Auction

Dec. 17th Advocacy Recpt/Silent Auct 4:30-6:30PM

Location
Ballroom A
Summary
Join us for some light refreshments and some great items to bid on! Do your Christmas shopping with us and raise some money for a great program.

Camelina: Oilseed production to increase economic stability and soil health

Dec. 18th Dryland Session 1 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location
Meeting Room C
Speakers
  • Kyle Reedy - Commercial Manager
    Kyle is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, happily married, and calls Montana home. Academically, he graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point where he earned an BS in Soil and Land Management. Kyle has earned an MSAG from Washington State University in Plant Health Management. While at WSU, his research was on the yield response of canola to boron in high pH soils. Kyle achieved his Certified Crop Advisor and Certified Professional Agronomist from the American Society of Agronomy. Professionally, Kyle worked for Winfield United as a Research Specialist where he later achieved Master Research Specialist. During that time, he conducted research on corn, soybeans, forage sorghum/sudan grass, canola, and wheat. He worked for Cargill as a Research Agronomist where the focus was on omega-3 canola research. Most recently, Kyle worked as a Territory Manager for Sustainable Oils where he advanced to his current role as Commercial Manager. He works on the commercial side, but is an agronomist by trade and enjoys talking agronomics and sharing information. In his spare time, he enjoys hunting, traveling, spending time with his wife, and writing articles for outdoor magazines.
Summary
What is camelina? Potential use in SAF, camelina as part of crop rotations. Agronomic and intensive research questions. Intensive monitoring and results of observations. Implications for adopting camelina as part of a cropping system. Soil & Water - 1

Jesse Ford - Pending Topic

Dec. 18th Irrigated Session 1 - 8:00AM - 9:00AM

Location
Meeting Room D

Ryan Kuster - Pending Topic

Dec. 18th Pesticide Session 1 - 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location
Meeting Room G

Drone use in agriculture: Scouting techniques & on-farm research experience

Dec. 18th Dryland Session 2 - 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM

Location
Meeting Room C
Speakers
  • Morgan Menaker - Regional Extension Agronomist
    Morgan Menaker is a Regional Extension Agronomist with Washington State University Extension. He is based out of the Whitman County Extension Office, located in Colfax, WA with regional responsibility for Whitman, Asotin, Garfield, Columbia and Walla Walla Counties. Morgan received his Masters in Plant Science and Pest Management from Virginia Tech and previously worked for NC State Extension as a Field Crops Extension Agent for four years where he conducted and hosted multiple research projects in winter wheat, corn, soybean, cotton and sesame.
Summary
This presentation explores the growing role of drones in agriculture. It highlights how aerial spraying by drone offers unique advantages, improving efficiency, reducing costs, and minimizing operator risk. Attendees will learn about drone components, operation, and regulations, including FAA certification. Real-world examples demonstrate how drones are being used for scouting, seeding, and precision spraying, along with the practical limitations of current technology. The session equips applicators with the knowledge and resources to safely and effectively integrate drones into their daily operations. Precision Ag CEU - 1

Pete Jacoby - Pending Topic

Dec. 18th Irrigated Session 2 - 9:10AM - 10:10AM

Location
Meeting Room D

Aaron Esser - Pending Topic

Dec. 18th Pesticide Session 2 - 9:10 AM - 10:10 AM

Location
Meeting Room G

Process and packaging automation; robotics, autonomous equipment, and AI

Dec. 18th Dryland Session 3 - 10:20 AM - 11:20 AM

Location
Meeting Room C
Speakers
  • Michael Dunlap - Owner
    Michael Dunlap has a career spanning 54 years in production agriculture, working in the seed, grain, biofuels, specialty crops and oilseed industries. Mike started Michael Dunlap & Associates in 2005, providing consulting services to agricultural clients, and has represented Chantland MHS in providing process and system automation to industry. Mike has held numerous management positions including Dupont, DNA plant technology and Cargill, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management Technology and MBA from University of Idaho. Mike has been a Certified Crop Adviser since 1993.
Summary
This session will examine material handling and material packing technologies, including; Robotic palletizing for bagged materials and case stacking/palletizing; robotic bag hanging & autonomous bag filling/handling; automated tote bag filling, and what role Artificial Intelligence will play in the future. Crop Management CEU - 1

Mir Seyedbagheri - Pending Topic

Dec. 18th Irrigated Session 3 - 10:20AM - 11:20AM

Location
Meeting Room D
Speakers
  • Mir Seyedbagheri - Director of Research & Development
    Mir-M Seyedbagheri is a soil agronomist, biometerologist, and professor emeritus at the University of Idaho. He is a pioneer in humic substances research, in particular, with regard to its use in the Pacific Northwest. In addition, Mir has been recognized nationally and internationally for his groundbreaking achievements in solubilizing the humin portion of humates. NASA has also included his long-term research in their space soil and plant biology project. Mir's other myriad of honors include twenty-three national and international awards for his humic substances research, as well as his work on soil health, nutrient management, and the natural intelligence of soil, plant, and water relationships in regenerative ag. He presently serves as director of research and development for Washington State-based BioGro, Inc.

Innovate approaches for Nematode detection and control.

Dec. 18th Pesticide Session 3 - 10:20AM - 11:20AM

Location
Meeting Room G
Speakers
  • Cynthia Gleason - Associate Professor
    Cynthia Gleason is an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology at Washington State University (WSU), specializing in nematology. She earned her Ph.D. at the University of California, Davis, studying root-knot nematodes, followed by postdoctoral research in plant biology at the John Innes Centre (Norwich, UK) and CSIRO (Perth, Australia). In 2011, she became a Junior Professor at Georg August University in Germany, continuing her work on plant-parasitic nematodes. Since joining WSU in 2016, Dr. Gleason’s research program has focused on understanding the molecular mechanisms that drive root-knot nematode–plant interactions. Her group also develops innovative diagnostic tools for nematodes.
  • Cassandra Bates - Manager of Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic
    Cassandra Bates manages the WSU Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic, where she diagnoses a wide range of plant pests, diseases, and disorders. She earned her M.S. in Entomology/Nematology from Michigan State University, where her research investigated trap crop systems for managing soybean cyst, sugar beet cyst, and root-lesion nematodes. Her career has included serving as Education Coordinator for the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network and managing diverse research programs that range from controlling potato cyst nematode in Idaho to studying tick-borne pathogens in cattle. At WSU, she combines her diagnostic expertise with outreach, supporting growers, researchers, and the agricultural community.
Summary
Beneath the soil, out of sight, lives one of the most damaging pests for Pacific Northwest potato production: the Columbia root-knot nematode (CRKN). These microscopic roundworms attack plant roots, causing galls that are visible on the tubers. The blemished tubers cause significant economic losses for growers. This talk will introduce the latest research and innovative tools being developed to combat CRKNs, highlighting how science is working to turn the tide against these underground invaders. We’ll look at the latest research on novel control methods using litchi tomato (Solanum sisymbriifolium), as well as the development of innovative diagnostic tools to detect nematodes quickly and accurately. Faster identification means quicker action, and quicker action means healthier crops. You’ll also learn about the diagnostic services offered at the Washington State University Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic, including practical tips for submitting soil or plant samples and understanding your results. The WSU Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic offers a range of services, including nematode diagnostics by a highly trained nematologist. Overall, this talk will provide an inside look at how science and innovation are helping to protect crops like potatoes from nematodes. Pest Management CEU - 1 State Pesticide Credits: WA/ID/OR/UT/NV (Pending upon approval)

DL Track Day 2 Session 4

NO SPEAKER SCHEDULED

Location
Meeting Room C

IR Track Day 2 Session 4

NO SPEAKER SCHEDULED

Location
Meeting Room D

PEST Track Day 2 Session 4

NO SPEAKER SCHEDULED

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