Curl mites, aphids, drought, freeze, resistant weeds. Could hard red winter wheat get any more challenged?
Well, yes, actually it could. But there are some answers in the toolbox and Kansas State University Extension and Research will be sharing an outlook on some of the problems and what you can do to cope with them in two Spring Field Day events on June 4 and 5.
On June 4, the theme for the Northwest Research Center field day in Colby will be "All About That Wheat."
Registration, coffee and donuts plus introductions start at 8:30 a.m. Field tours and presentations led by Kansas State University faculty and staff begin at 9 a.m.
Presentations include:
- Solid stem wheat varieties for Kansas – Lucas Haag, K-State agronomist
- Emerging crop pests: Wheat stem sawfly and sugarcane aphid – J.P. Michaud, K-State entomologist
- Nitrogen management with crop sensors – Jeanne Falk-Jones, K-State agronomist
- Kochia management in wheat stubble and fallow – Curtis Thompson, K-State weed scientist
- Field peas for fallow replacement – Lucas Haag
- Why are some wheat varieties more drought resistant? – Rob Aiken, K-State crop scientist
- Wheat marketing and management outlook – Dan O’Brien, K-State agricultural economist

Lunch, compliments of several sponsors, will be served at noon, following the last presentation.
More information is available at http://www.wkarc.org or by calling 785-259-2723.
On June 5, the focus is on wheat and triticale at the Southwest Research-Extension Center field day in Garden City.
The educational event begins with registration and introductions at 4:30 p.m. K-State Research and Extension specialists will provide the latest information on wheat varieties, plus managing diseases and insects that pose a challenge to wheat production.
A presentation on triticale forage varieties wraps up the program, which is followed by a complimentary supper.
More information about the Garden City Spring Field Day is available by calling 620-276-8286.