This year has seen many challenges for about anyone with a wheat crop. It is said that wheat has to die at least nine times before it comes to harvest, and 2018 may have proven that old adage.
Though we may have seen our share of adversities this season, there are some fields that may have very good wheat. If you are one of the fortunate that has good wheat be sure to enter in the annual Market Wheat show at the Barton County Fair.
A farmer can submit 10 pounds of a variety of wheat to Extension, either by bringing it into our office, or at the local co-ops and filling out a small information page.
The wheat will then be tested and scored. We will display the results at the county fair, and the best ones will then be entered into to the State fair. There is no cost to the producer to enter. If you are interested, please call 620-793-1910 or come into the office at 1800 12th Street. Entries are due by July 3rd.
After wheat harvest, it is also a good idea to monitor your garden for thrips. Thrips are tiny insects that feed on developing flowers and leaves. If they feed on your tomato plants, they can cause the spread of a virus known as tomato spotted wilt virus.
One symptom of this disease is white or yellow rings developing on the young fruit. If the virus is there, it cannot be treated. To help prevent this disease, control the weeds around the garden to make it more difficult for the thrips to get to your plants. If you see symptoms of the virus, remove the infected plant immediately.
Insecticides can be used, but with limited success. Your best defense is observation and early control if you happen to see these insects.

Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.edu or call 620-793-1910.