A University of Kentucky postdoctoral scholar needs Kentucky soybean growers’ help with two new research projects.

The projects are led by Jerrod Penn, postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Agricultural Economics, and investigate issues in row crops such as field management, insects and weed control.

The first project is a brief survey designed to help researchers understand growers’ field management practices. This survey may help direct future research efforts at UK.

The second project, Grower Gander, will help researchers determine weed abundance across the state. For this project, growers will need to select two soybean fields and take two pictures in each field when the soybeans are completely dry, just before harvest. Participants will need to submit these pictures online along with information on herbicide use in each field during the growing season.

Participants need to grow at least 100 acres of soybeans and be at least 18 years old. Growers need to submit information for both projects by Nov. 1. To participate, contact Penn at jerrod.penn@uky.edu or 859-218-4395.

For each completed survey, researchers will donate $5 to the FFA chapter of the participant’s choice. Those who submit pictures for the Grower Gander will receive $10 donated to the FFA chapter of their choice. Researchers encourage farmers to have FFA students take the field photos on their behalf.

The UK Student Sustainability Council is funding the projects.

The UK Department of Agricultural Economics is part of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.