University of Georgia Extension will host a pair of cotton scouting schools in June. The programs will be held on Monday, June 8, in Tifton, Georgia, and Tuesday, June 16, in Midville, Georgia.

The two schools will offer prospective scouts the chance to learn from cotton entomologists about insects, scouting procedures, cotton growth and development, and safety through an in-field review. The program is an introduction to cotton insect monitoring for new scouts, but serves as a review for experienced scouts and producers.

“Scouting cotton is not a difficult task, but it does take experience. For someone brand new, this school is an absolute must to get an introduction,” said UGA Extension entomologist Phillip Roberts. “Scouting cotton is almost learning by doing — gaining experience, networking with other scouts, working for a professional consultant and learning from him. It’s the first step in being a successful scout.”

Both schools are offered at no cost and will be held from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The Tifton school will be held at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center, 15 RDC Road, Tifton, GA 31793. The Midville school will take place at UGA’s Southeast Georgia Research and Education Center, 9638 Highway 56 South, Midville, GA 30441.

For more information about the Tifton school, contact Debbie Rutland at 229-386-3424. For those inquiring about the Midville school, call Peyton Sapp at 706-554-2119.

Registration is not necessary to attend.