New wheat varieties part of May 29 tour

Oklahoma State University is continuing research on seeding rates and planting dates for short-season winter wheat. A previous study showed Butler’s Gold fares better when planted in December. (Photo by Mitchell Alcala, OSU Agriculture.)

New and up-and-coming wheat varieties will be on display during a 6 p.m. tour May 29 at the Vance and Louise Ehmke farm near Dighton, Kansas. The varieties include Kansas State University’s new release KS Bill Snyder, which will be available this fall under very tight supply limitations.

Also featured will be a number of rye and triticale varieties. Everything has been grown under severe drought stress, including a grower favorite, Turkey Red.

To get to the Ehmke farm, from Dighton, go west 7 miles to Eagle Road or mile marker 79, then turn south for 2 miles, then back west toward the farmstead.

K-State wheat specialist Romulo Lollato and K-State plant pathologist Kelsey Andersen Onofre will discuss the varieties as well as what they’ve seen statewide during this challenging growing season. A light meal will follow the tour, according to Lacey Noterman, Walnut Creek-Lane County Extension agent.