Growing Small Grains workshop to be held

HENRY — Farmers and agriculture dealers should mark their calendar for the “Wheat-Small Grains in Northern Illinois — Options and Opportunities” workshop on Feb. 16. The program is from 9:30 a.m. to noon and will be delivered via teleconference at Marshall-Putnam Extension Office, located in the Farm Bureau Building at Henry. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

The program will focus on management strategies for increasing the profit potential of growing small grains in northern Illinois. Emphasis will be on winter wheat.

Specific topics include selecting wheat varieties, seeding date and rate, pros and cons of insecticide and fungicide seed treatments, fertilization, stand assessment and predicting straw yields. The economics of growing wheat in the rotation will be discussed along with current research results. Lastly, management strategies for cereal grains grown as a companion, forage or cover crop will be shared.

Leading the discussion will be Eric Adee, research specialist at the University of Illinois Agronomy Research Center, Monmouth, and Jim Morrison, Extension crops educator.

Continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisers have been requested. The program is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension.

Registration fee of $15 is payable at the door.