Welcome to the Lawrence County Farming Agency! I'm excited that you will be joining our team. LCFA is dedicated to promoting and preserving agriculture in our community. One of the main ways we do that is by helping local farmers find solutions to problems on their farms.

Your Job
As a Plant Pathologist your primary job is to work with local farmers as they report problems they are having with their crops. You'll not only help identify problems, but will investigate and recommend solutions.

Determining the cause of a disease can be tricky sometimes and since you are new to our area, you may have questions. Being a plant pathologist myself, I'm very familiar with the issues our local farmers face, so I'll serve as your supervisor. Each step of the way, I'll provide you with any documents or information I have that might help you do your job.

Your First Case
I got a call yesterday from a local wheat farmer who discovered a powdery mildew on his crops. He told me that the strain of wheat he plants is genetically resistant to powdery mildew, so he was surprised to see the fungus.

I'm heading out to his field today to document the situation and obtain as much information as possible. I'll be bringing back samples of the powdery mildew, and I'd like you to help me identify what it is and then write a report to the farmers in the area (because it might affect more than one) on what to do

As soon as I'm back from the field, I'll send you an email with further instructions so you can get started.

I look forward to working with you!

Colleen Peterson, PhD
Executive Director
Lawrence County Farming Agency