Field Scouting for Farmers

Learn from field scouting experts about Whole-Farm Scouting as part of an ecological approach to pest and production management

A 2-day course with hands-on training at the UCSC Farm

Thursday, February 20th, 10AM – 2PM

Friday, February 21st, 10AM – 2PM

Instructors:

Doug O’Brien and Jessica Vaughan

Presented in English with Spanish interpretation available

Cost: $40, pre-registration required

Course details:

The first three steps for managing farm pest and production problems are asking what, where, and how many. Most farm fields have thousands of plants, and it is not possible to inspect each one. This course is intended for farmers interested in learning Whole-Farm Scouting as part of an ecological approach to pest and production management.

What is Whole-Farm Scouting? Whole-Farm Scouting frequently, efficiently, and comprehensively collects data from the whole-farm using proven scouting techniques to understand what's happening on the farm right now and predict and prevent future pests.

The two instructors have a combined 35 years of field scouting experience working with a range of growers in the central coast. They will share practical methods for field monitoring with techniques for scouting for insects, diseases, weeds, beneficials, fertility, crop quality, and more. Participants will receive a free digital scouting tool that they will learn to use in the class and will practice using in different fields at the UCSC Farm. The first day will be an indoor training in the UCSC Hay Barn and the second day will start at the Hay Barn and participants will walk up into the UCSC Farm fields.

About the Instructors:

Jessica Vaughan

Doug O’Brien

After 30 years of crop scouting, plant pathologist Doug O'Brien is growing herbs and fruit at Pleasure Point Farm in Santa Cruz, CA.

$40 fee covers parking and lunch each day (directions and parking info to come once registered)