Wilke field day will show crop, disease research results

Experts from Washington State University and the University of Idaho will share the latest advances in crop production and disease protection for Eastern Washington at the June 26 at the Wilke Research and Extension Farm near Davenport.

The field day will help growers learn about the latest wheat breeding efforts for Washington's intermediate rainfall zone, and techniques to protect against low falling number, Hessian fly and stripe rust.

Growers also will meet André Wright, the new dean of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences. Wright will discuss the future of WSU agricultural research and partnerships.

WSU experts will share the latest technology to manage and monitor protein, helping farmers fine-tune their fertilizer practices and get the most out of their fields. Other discussion topics include integrated wheat control and the new CoAXium wheat production system, benefits of crop rotation, spring canola varieties and infrared-based weed spraying.

Dedication of the new 5,000-square-foot equipment barn, the station's first major permanent structure, will follow the tour.

The new building was funded by siblings Carol Quigg and Jerry Sheffels, longtime WSU and Wilke Farm supporters.

"It gives us a space where we can secure everything at Wilke Farm, saving a lot of time and effort that can now be directed back into research," Esser said. "Big thanks go to Carol and Jerry for making this happen."

André Wright is a world-renowned researcher in animal sciences. Wright is the former director of the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona. For more than 20 years he has researched ways to help animals use nutrients more efficiently, reduce methane, and increase food production sustainably. Wright began his duties June 1.

Registration for the field day begins at 8 a.m., with the program and field tours starting at 8:30. A barbecue lunch will be served following the tour.

The field day is supported by Lincoln County Wheat Growers.

To register in advance, contact Dusti Kissler, assistant, Adams County Extension, 509-659-3212.