Growers can learn about the latest wheat varieties and view many of them in the field at a May 30 Wheat Variety Plot Tour near Fairbury. The event, sponsored by Nebraska Extension, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in a wheat variety plot hosted by Mark Knobel.

Stephen Baenziger, University of Nebraska-Lincoln professor and wheat breeder, will discuss wheat variety options for southeast Nebraska and characteristics of wheat cultivars in the plot. There are 31 wheat varieties and experimentals in the plot, according to Teshome Regassa, UNL research assistant professor.

Guest speaker Paul Jasa, Nebraska extension engineer, will provide tips on setting no-till drills to increase wheat stand consistency. He will also share cover crop opportunities following wheat. Wheat is a high carbon crop and creates windows of time for conservation work, hauling manure, and growing cover crops to enhance soil health and/or grazing opportunities. 

Stephen Wegulo, Nebraska Extension plant pathologist, will discuss wheat disease prevention strategies in southern Nebraska, yield effects of foliar diseases of wheat, and fungicide application strategies.

Nebraska Extension Educator Randy Pryor said attendees can count on unbiased, research-based information from Nebraska Extension at field events such as the wheat variety plot tour. Many participants discover new knowledge and ideas and meet other farmers striving for high yielding wheat as part of a crop rotation scheme. Knobel Seeds and Nebraska Extension are hosting refreshments, including fresh made kolaches, at the field site. 

Site Location and Contact Information

From Fairbury:  Travel northeast on Highway 136 for 3 miles and turn north on 571 Avenue. Go north for 2.6 miles on 571 Avenue. Turn east on 716 Road for 0.2 mile. Plot is on the south side of the road. GPS Coordinates 40.204547, -97.120798.
Alternate Route:  On Highway 15, go 2 miles north of Fairbury, take 716 Road east 3.2 miles (Note: Two miles is minimum maintenance. If it's muddy, consider taking Road 715 or Road 718 as alternate roads.)

For more information about the plot tour, contact Randy Pryor at the UNL Extension Office in Saline County at 402-821-2151 or e-mail rpryor1@unl.edu or view the program flyer.