The 2016 wheat crop is following the old adage that the plant has to die nine times before it comes to harvest. As in last year, the rains came late to the fields, and at some point, people were wondering if there would be much of a crop. The rains did come, and the wheat flourished with it, but with the rains came the diseases. Rust, smut, and scab have been found in fields. Some varieties of wheat have responded to the pressures better than others as can be seen in the two wheat plots that K-State Research and Extension have out in Barton County. On May 26, starting at 4 p.m. we will be hosting a wheat plot tour to discuss the different varieties and how they have fared this growing season. There are two plots this year because Barton County has very different soil types. By having two plot sites, we can see how the wheat can handle the stressors in the different growing conditions caused by the soil types where they are planted.
The first plot tour will be on David Strecker’s land located 1/4 mile to the east of Galatia on NW 190 Rd off of Hwy 281. This plot has 29 varieties including two varieties that are treated seed vs untreated seed. Lucas Haag, K-State Research and Extension’s North East Agronomist will be on hand to talk about individual varieties which were planted, and how they are producing in our area. Lucas will also discuss the different situations and stressors for this year. Eric DeWolf, KRSE Plant Pathologist and JP Mitchell, KSRE NE entomologist will also be on hand to discuss how the wheat fared with the problems that happened in their areas of knowledge as well.  
After the first plot, we will travel to Brian Anschutz’s wheat plot located 5 miles west of Great Bend on HWY 56 and 2 1/2 miles south on SW 50 AVE. There are 12 varieties in the 2nd plot including some duplicates from the first to compare how those varieties fared in the different soil. As for the plot again, Lucas Haag and Eric DeWolf will be specking about the differences in both plots, and going over the individual varieties that this plot has. This tour will start at approximately 5:30 p.m.
After both plot tours, everyone is invited to the American Ag Credit Building located at 5634 10th St. in Great Bend. We do need an RSVP for the meal following so that we have enough food for everyone! The meal is sponsored by American Ag Credit and Ed junior Farms Inc. Thank you to both of these sponsors for helping Barton County Extension provide a meal after the tour for our participants
Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Barton County K-state Research and Extension. One can contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910