University of Minnesota Extension is launching the five-part “Strategic Farming: Optimizing

Management for 2020” webinar series beginning Thursday. This webinar series is an opportunity for farmers to gather and learn about research-based, crop production information throughout the year, according to a press release.

The primary target audience for the series is farmers, but all interested agricultural professionals, agency personnel, educators, etc. are welcome to participate. There is no fee to join the webinars, but you will need to register for each “live” webinar individually to join the discussion. Those viewing can join live or tune in later, as all sessions will be recorded and available for viewing.

The first webinar in the series will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, “Back to the Basics Approach to Nutrient Management.” From noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 16 will be “Soybean Management for 2020 and Beyond.” From noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 29, the topic is “Cover Crops, Matching your Management Strategies and Goals.” From noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 13, “New Pests and Pathogens” complicating Minnesota soybean and corn production will be discussed. The final webinar will be from noon to 1 p.m. Feb. 29, “Hot Topics in Weed Management: Putting the Pieces Together.”

Visit the “Strategic Farming: Optimizing Management for 2020” webpage for more information and to register at z.umn.edu/strategic-farming.