Wheat Production in Kansas: Extension and Applied Research

James P. Shroyer, Dept. of Agronomy, 785/532-0397, jshroyer@ksu.edu

a. Introduction. Wheat is the most widespread crop grown in Kansas with more than 10 million acres planted annually. There is a need for an ongoing, statewide wheat extension education program 1) to educate producers and agri-business on best management practices for wheat production; 2) to conduct applied research based on suggestions and questions from producers and agri-business; 3) to stay current on national and international wheat production topics that are applicable to Kansas; and 4) for timely communication with producers and agri-business.

b. Rationale and Significance. State funding through the Department of Agronomy for individual extension and applied research programs has been compromised. In addition, higher fuel costs could limit travel to extension meetings, wheat tours, farm visits, consultations and troubleshooting. Farmers are experiencing the same high fuel costs and are flirting with ideas to reduce costs, but in fact, these ideas may reduce profits. This is not a time to restrict a wheat extension education program.

c. Procedure/Methodology. Present information to producers and agri-business on wheat production at extension meetings, field tours and training sessions. Conduct applied research on producers= fields and experiment fields. Attend national meetings (e.g. NAWG) to obtain latest research results to be shared with producers and agri-business. I am available through the use of a cell phone at all times for consultation and possible farm visits.

d. Related Current/Previous Research. My extension crops specialist colleagues from other states receive funding from their commodity organizations to support their extension programs. The Extension Row Crops Specialist, K-State, receives $4,000 annually from each the Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission, Kansas Corn Commission, and Kansas Soybean Commission to support his statewide program.

e. Technology Transfer. This is a technology transfer proposal. This funding will allow me to travel across the state to conduct my statewide extension wheat program. This funding has allowed me to support county agents= programs, such as the county wheat variety demonstration plots, no-till wheat planting after row crops and wheat, wheat blends, and wheat replanting decisions.

f. Duration of Project. I anticipate this will be a multiple year request.

Progress Report
Second Quarter Accomplishments:

1. Planted the Clearfield-nonClearfield variety blend studies at Hutchinson and Manhattan.

2. Planted no-till wheat seeding rate x n-rate study at the Agronomy Farm.

3. Delivered several radio interviews regarding wheat seed quality and volunteer wheat and eUpdates.

4. Advised farmers (via telephone and farm visits) on recommendations

5. Cooperated with Eric DeWolf and Bill Bockus on wheat variety fungicide study.