Experts from Washington State University and the University of Idaho will share the latest advances in crop production and disease protection for eastern Washington at the Wilke Farm Field Day, Tuesday, June 26.
Held at the Wilke Research and Extension Farm near Davenport, Wash., the field day and tour helps growers learn about the latest wheat breeding efforts for Washington’s intermediate rainfall zone, and techniques to protect against low falling number, Hessian fly, and stripe rust.
Growers will also meet André Wright, new dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS).
“Our Field Day helps regional growers learn how to solve problems and reach their goals,” said Aaron Esser, Adams-Lincoln County Extension Director and Field Day host. “This year, we’re focusing on solving challenges that farmers have been having over the last few years, such as protein management, falling number, weed control, and how to find profitability in canola and pea crops. It’s a great opportunity for farmers to interact, ask questions, and get new ideas.”
WSU experts will share the latest technology to manage and monitor protein, helping farmers fine-tune their fertilizer practices and get the most out of their fields. Other discussion topics include integrated wheat control and the new CoAXium wheat production system; benefits of crop rotation; spring canola varieties; infrared-based weed spraying; and much more.
Following the tour is a dedication of the new 5,000-square-foot equipment barn at Wilke Farm, the station’s first major permanent structure.
As a central storage site for farm machinery and gathering place for grower meetings, the building brings efficiency, security and productivity to Wilke Farm. The new building was funded by siblings Carol Quigg and Jerry Sheffels, longtime WSU and Wilke Farm supporters.
“It gives us a space where we can secure everything at Wilke Farm, saving a lot of time and effort that can now be directed back into research,” Esser said. “Big thanks go to Carol and Jerry for making this happen.”
The new Dean, Wright, will attend the field day and discuss the future of WSU agricultural research and partnerships.
A world-renowned researcher in animal sciences, Wright is the former director of the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona. For more than 20 years, he has researched ways to help animals use nutrients more efficiently, reduce methane, and increase food production, sustainably. Wright began his duties June 1.
Registration for the Field Day begins at 8 a.m., with the program and field tours starting at 8:30. A barbecue lunch will be served following the tour.
The field day is supported by Lincoln County Wheat Growers.
To register in advance, contact Adams County Extension Assistant Dusti Kissler at 509-659-3212.
- Contact: Aaron Esser, Director, Adams-Lincoln County Extension, (509) 659-3210, aarons@wsu.edu