It was the kind of day most of us dream about when you’re stuck inside for the winter: Bright sunshine, warm temperatures and a slightly cooling breeze.

The scientists and Extension specialists who work for the LSU AgCenter couldn’t have ordered up a much better day for the Wheat and Oats Field Day they held at the Tom H. Scott Research and Extension Center near Winnsboro, La.

It was also the kind of day many Louisiana producers who had been kept out of their fields for days on end by heavy rains had been waiting for. Thus, grower attendance was down for the field day, although it still attracted some producers and a number of university and industry representatives.

Field Day participants heard an extensive rundown on all of the varieties entered in the 2015 Wheat & Oat State Trials from Steve Harrison, professor of wheat and oat breeding and genetics at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Attendees heard descriptions for many of the 78 old, new and experimental varieties entered in the trials.

LSU AgCenter scientists also briefed growers on the recent outbreak of Fusarium head blight or scab in Louisiana wheat and on insect pest problems such as Hessian fly and aphids. Other presenters talked about weed management, wheat best management practices and an update on the wheat crop and nitrogen rates.