Northwest growers can take an in-field look at Washington State University’s most promising crop varieties and management practices at 2016 summer crop tours.
In the tours, held in June and July, cereal breeders, Extension agronomists, plant pathologists, and other scientists guide visitors through a wide range of experimental plots, explaining strategies to improve production, solve pest problems and prepare for future challenges.
“Growers provide important support through their checkoff dollars for much of the research being shown at the various crop tours and field days, so they should come and see what they are supporting,” said Drew Lyon, WSU Endowed Chair in Small Grains Extension and Research, Weed Science. “These events also provide researchers with the opportunity to discuss their work with the people it is intended to help, and they enjoy the direct feedback they get from growers.”
For example, at the upcoming Dryland Research Station field day at Lind, WSU researchers will give updates on winter pea variety trials, winter triticale agronomy, and Russian thistle controls.
“We are very enthusiastic about the potential for winter pea in the lower rainfall areas, and as a much needed crop to have in rotation with winter wheat,” said Stephen Guy, WSU Extension agronomist. He and USDA-ARS legume breeder Rebecca McGee will feature the pea trials at the Wilke farm tour June 23.
Learn more and view location maps for the WSU Cereal Variety trials at http://variety.wsu.edu. Learn more about Small Grains research at WSU at http://smallgrains.wsu.edu. Prospective participants should check with the listed contacts prior to the tour to verify time, location and agenda, and ensure a place at the table if food is served.
Washington Grain Commission funds support the trials and the tours.
Tour Schedule:
• Ritzville, 1 p.m. June 8. Contact Aaron Esser, (509) 659-3210
• WSU Weed Science Tour, Pullman, 1 p.m. June 8. Contact Drew Lyon, (509) 335-2961
• Western Whitman County at LaCrosse, 9:30 a.m. June 9. Contact Steve Van Vleet, (509) 397-6290
• Connell, 5 p.m. June 9. Contact Wayne Thompson, (509) 240-5018
• Pendleton Field Day, 7:30 a.m. June 14. Contact Mary Corp, (541) 278-4415
• Moro, Ore., 7:30 a.m. June 15. Contact Mary Corp, (541) 278-4415
• Harrington, 4 p.m. June 15. Contact Diana Roberts, (509) 477-2167
• Lind, 8:30 a.m. June 16. Contact Bill Schillinger, (509) 235-1933
• Diagnostic Clinic, Spillman Farm, Pullman, 8 a.m. June 17. Contact Steve Van Vleet, (509) 397-6290
• St. Andrews, 5 p.m. June 17. Contact Dale Whaley, (509) 745-8531
• Fairfield, 7 a.m. June 21. Contact Diana Roberts, (509) 477-2167
• Moses Lake irrigated tour, 8 a.m. June 22. Contact Andy McGuire, (509) 754-2011
• Almira, 3 p.m. June 22. Contact Diana Roberts, (509) 477-2167
• Cook Farm Field Day, Pullman, 8 a.m. June 22. Contact Dave Huggins, (509) 335-3379
• Reardan, 7 a.m. June 23. Contact Diana Roberts, (509) 477-2167
• Wilke Farm Tour, 9:30 a.m. June 23. Contact Aaron Esser, (509) 659-3210
• Walla Walla legume tour, 10 a.m. June 28. Contact Wayne Thompson, (509) 240-5018
• Walla Walla cereals tour, 3:30 p.m. June 28. Contact Wayne Thompson, (509) 240-5018
• Dayton cereal and legume tour, 8 a.m. June 29. Contact Paul Carter, (509) 382-4741
• Wheat College, Wilke Farm, Davenport, 9 a.m June 29. Contact Lori Williams, (509) 659-0610
• Mayview, 9 a.m. June 30. Contact Mark Heitstuman, (509) 243-2009
• Anatone, 3:30 p.m. June 30. Contact Mark Heitstuman, (509) 243-2009
• University of Idaho/Limagrain, 8:30 a.m. July 6. Contact Don Thill, (208) 885-6214
• Palouse, 9 a.m. July 11. Contact Steve Van Vleet, (509) 397-6290
• Bickleton, 3 p.m. July 12. Contact Ryan Higginbotham, (509) 335-1205
• Farmington, 8 a.m. July 13. Contact Steve Van Vleet, (509) 397-6290
• St. John, 10 a.m. July 14. Contact Steve Van Vleet, (509) 397-6290
• Lamont, 2:30 p.m. July 14. Contact Steve Van Vleet, (509) 397-6290