Winter wheat planting time is near, but what to plant? For Colorado growers that decision can be a challenge, given changing varieties and opportunities presented by new products. And a key to knowing what to plant is understanding how these varieties perform.

To help, Colorado State University Extension has scheduled its 2018 Wheat Planting Decision meetings in Colorado towns. The seven meetings each will include the latest Wheat Variety Trial results from Jerry Johnson, a CSU professor and Extension specialist in crop production. Johnson’s department conducts the extensive wheat trials every year in the state.

In addition, the event will include a presentation by Rick Novak, Extension seed specialist, CSU. Novak is manager of the Colorado Seed Growers Association and provides leadership and oversight to the managers of seed certification in the state. He can offer insight into current wheat seed issues ahead of planting.

Here’s the schedule for the 2018 meetings

Aug. 14
Lamar. The Cow Palace, 1301 N. Main St., Lamar, Colo. Noon. Lunch provided.
Burlington. The Community Center, 330 S. 14th St., Burlington, Colo. 5 p.m. Dinner provided.

Aug. 15
Haxtun. Anderson Farms, 11150 County Road 91, Haxtun, Colo. 6 p.m. Dinner provided.

Aug. 16
Julesburg. Fire Hall, 510 East First Street, Julesburg, Colo. Noon. Lunch provided.
Akron. Pachner Farms, 20998 County Road 19, Akron, Colo. 6 p.m. Dinner provided.

Aug. 17
Akron. USDA Agricultural Research Service Research Station, 40335 County Road GG, Akron, Colo. 8 a.m. Coffee and doughnuts provided.
Orchard. Wikstrom Farms, 33176 County Road 3, Orchard, Colo. Noon. Lunch provided,

For more information visit csucrops.com.