A series of five plot tours to review the University of Minnesota’s Red River On-Farm Yield Trials and Wheat Fungicide Research will be held July 9 -16 , 2007 at locations throughout Minnesota’s wheat-growing region.

Jochum Wiersma, University of Minnesota Extension small grains specialist, will review the small grain variety performance evaluations conducted at local farm plots. “The plots include side-by-side comparisons of the most common wheat and barley varieties, in addition to the newest varieties available to growers. The 2007 trials have a record number of entries of both private and public breeding programs.” says Wiersma.

Charla Hollingsworth, University of Minnesota Extension small grains plant pathologist, will also be on hand in Oklee and Fergus Falls to discuss her latest research on fungicide use and timing. Hollingsworth’s research focuses on whether fungicide applications can be selectively tailored to optimize yield and quality using popularly grown wheat varieties based on their disease management.

Finally, Ian MacRae, University of Minnesota Extension entomologist, will provide an update on insects to watch for in your crops and how to control them if they become a problem.

There is no charge to attend these workshops, which are sponsored by the Minnesota Extension Service with support from the Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council’s wheat check off.

The workshops will be held July 9 -16 at the following locations: