AgriLife Extension sets Wheat and Barley Crops Tour near Dimmitt

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576, [email protected]

Contacts: Nancy Andersen, 806-647-4115, [email protected]

James Graves, 806-481-3619, [email protected]

DIMMITT – The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offices in Parmer and Castro counties will conduct a Wheat and Barley Crops Tour from 10 a.m. until noon May 12 at sites near Dimmitt.

To get to the wheat site, which is first on the tour, drive 9.6 miles west of Dimmitt on State Highway 86; then go south on Farm-to-Market Road 1524. The barley site is 15.3 miles from Dimmitt on State Highway 86.

“These are some of the best small grains trials we’ve had in our counties for quite some time now,” said Nancy Andersen, AgriLife Extension agent in Castro County. “We urge anyone interested in small grains production to make a point to attend this free program as it’s really worth seeing, and we’ll be conducting it come rain or shine.”

Andersen said the speakers will be Dr. Jourdan Bell and Dr. Calvin Trostle, AgriLife Extension agronomists from Amarillo and Lubbock, respectively.

“Dr. Bell has been collecting data from a plant growth regulator trial in Castro County to determine if their application will reduce lodging and boost yield,” Andersen said.

James Graves, AgriLife Extension agent in Parmer County, said Trostle will also discuss wheat yields and, in addition, will be comparing them to that of the barley.

“He’ll also offer optimal dates for planting barley on the High Plains,” Graves said.

For further information contact Andersen at 806-647-4115 or [email protected] , or Graves at 806-481-3619, [email protected] .