Illinois small grains producers invited to attend program June 21

[June 14, 2012]  BLOOMINGTON -- Producers of wheat and other small grains across the state are invited to attend the Northern Illinois Small Grains Program on June 21 at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Illinois Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center in Shabbona.

Sponsored by the Illinois Wheat Association, University of Illinois Extension and USDA Risk Management Agency, the small grains program will feature several presentations from Extension and university agronomists, breeders and plant pathologists, including University of Illinois professor and small grains breeder Fred Kolb, who will discuss oat and wheat variety development for northern Illinois.

University of Illinois professor and Extension agronomist Emerson Nafziger will discuss this year’s Illinois wheat crop and management practices, including a look at the commercial variety trial. Finally, Carl Bradley, associate professor of plant pathology and University of Illinois Extension plant pathologist, will talk to the group about wheat disease management.

"We have an excellent group of presenters this year, offering valuable information for any small grains producer here in Illinois," said Diane Handley, executive director of the Illinois Wheat Association. "Producers interested in learning more about wheat management and wheat and oat variety selection will have an excellent opportunity to get the latest information from experts located right here in Illinois."

Those interested in attending are asked to register in advance by contacting the Illinois Wheat Association office at 309-557-3619 or by emailing Charlene Blary at [e-mail]. Registration is $5 per person and includes dinner. For additional information and directions to the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center, contact Blary or visit the Illinois Wheat Association website at www.illinoiswheat.org.

[Text from file received from Illinois Farm Service Agency]