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University of Minnesota Extension
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Field School for Ag Professionals

This hands-on, in-field program emphasizes crop and pest management diagnostic skill-building in field crops. It will help you enhance your troubleshooting and crop management skills in specially designed plots that display actual cropping situations. 

Features

  • A two-day program taught in the field with real-world scenarios.
  • Hands-on activities examining current insects, diseases, and crop management.
  • Small learning groups.
  • Each subject is led by experienced instructors who offer personalized instruction and small-group activities.
  • 12 Certified Crop Advisor CEUs are offered over two days.

The first-day program focuses on core principles in agronomy, entomology, weed and soil sciences to build a strong foundation of skills and knowledge. The second day builds on this foundation with timely, cutting-edge concurrent sessions that participants can select from across all four major agronomy disciplines.

This event will be held rain or shine; please plan accordingly.

Commercial Pesticide Applicators License recertification

Commercial Pesticide Applicators who are up for license renewal for categories A and C in 2027 can recertify their Commercial Pesticide Applicators License by attending both days of Field School for Ag Professionals 2026.

To recertify, pay the license recertification fee ($50) in addition to Field School tuition when you register, and attend the pesticide laws and regulations supplement class from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 30.

Audience

Agronomists, crop production retailers, seed dealers, consultants, crop protection industry representatives, Extension educators, government agency personnel, and summer field scouts are encouraged to attend.

Cost

Participants may choose to attend on July 29 or July 30, or both days. Free parking will be available off Gortner Avenue.

  • Early registration through July 1: Attend both days for $299 or one day for $169
  • After July 1: Attend both days for $349 or one day for $199

Optional add-ons

  • Commercial/Noncommercial (CNC) Pesticide Applicator Recertification (Categories A and C): $50 additional cost (only available with the 2-day option). Deadlines are the same as above.
  • Minnesota Twins vs. Kansas City Royals ticket (Section 227), July 29, at 6:40 p.m., Target Field: $24 each
    • Deadline: July 1, 2026.

Registration

Registration closes July 24. No refunds will be issued for cancellations after registration closes; substitutions from within your organization will be accepted. Cancellations before the close of registration will be refunded minus a $25 fee.

Accommodations

University of Minnesota Extension is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. To request accommodations for persons with disabilities, reach out to the event contact two weeks before the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Language

This offering is delivered in English. Interpreter services may be available with an advance request.

Event details

Daily agendas, location information and lodging

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© 2026 Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.