The Annual Wheat Variety Demonstration Plot Field Days for the Cottonwood Extension District are coming up on Wednesday, May 13. Barton County starts at 8:30 a.m. and Ellis County at 6:00 p.m.
Even though it has been a rough spring for the wheat crop I would encourage growers to try and attend to see how each variety looks compared to the others. In tough years we can sometimes learn more about different varieties and how they perform compared to a good year when they all seem to do well.
As always there will be some Extension specialist with K-State Research & Extension to talk about the varieties and their strengths and weaknesses. Jeanne Falk Jones, NW Area Extension Agronomists and Eric DeWolf, K-State Plant Pathology will both be on hand at both locations. These folks get to see many different wheat varieties and management practices scattered across the region and bring a wealth of knowledge.
The field days usually last about one and a half to sometimes two hours depending on questions and discussion. As always bring any questions you might have, it is informal and we want and encourage discussion and questions.
Donuts, coffee, water and juice will be provided in Barton County courtesy of American Ag Credit, Great Bend and Ed Junior Farm of Otis, Tim Oborny. No RSVP necessary.
A meal and refreshments will be provided by Gemini Jr’s. 4-H Club at the Ellis County Field Day. RSVP is Requested for Meal Count. The meal and refreshments are courtesy of several businesses in the county. You can RSVP several ways by calling Theresa at our office 785-628-9430, email her at tam3@ksu.edu or CLICK HERE.
So, if you are in Barton County, please come join us before you go to the field. Have a donut and something to drink, see and hear about the newest wheat varieties in the plot, and visit with other farmers. Ellis County farmers, well you might as well quit a little early and join us and have a good supper and conversation before calling it a day. Or at least when you go back to the field supper is out of the way!
Stacy Campbell is a Crop Production Extension agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Extension. You can contact him by e-mail at scampbel@ksu.edu or by calling 785-628-9430.