Huntchinson, Kansas, USA
April 15, 2010

One of the challenges for producers interested in growing winter canola is knowing what varieties or hybrids are adapted to their area. Although university small plot studies are useful, it can be difficult to translate that information to producer fields.

For producers and others interested in learning about growing canola in Kansas and about K-State´s canola variety performance trials, K- State Research and Extension will host two Winter Canola Field Days April 23 and April 28.

Winter canola is a small-seeded, broadleaf, winter annual oilseed crop with great potential as a rotational dryland crop, said Vic Martin, Kansas State University Research and Extension specialist in alternative crops and forages. Both conventional and Roundup Ready varieties are available. Current prices are in the area of $7.50 per bushel.

Sixteen varieties and hybrids were planted by K-State last fall and should be in full bloom for the tours, Martin said. He, along with Mike Stamm, who is a canola breeder for both K-State and Oklahoma State University, will be presenters. Topics include winter canola production practices, managing winter canola in Kansas and currently available varieties and hybrids for Kansas. Presentations will last about an hour with time to tour the variety trial and for questions.

• April 23, 2010 - 10 a.m. - McPherson County near Marquette. Coming from the east or south, the site is located one mile west of the Marquette exit on Highway 4. Turn north at the intersection of Highway 4 and Fourth Avenue. Proceed one mile north to Wells Fargo Road then turn west onto Wells Fargo Road. Travel approximately ¾ mile and turn north into the second farmstead. Further information is available by contacting Dale Ladd, McPherson County Extension agent at 620-241-1523.
   
• April 28, 2010 - 7:30 a.m. - Sedgwick County at Clearwater. The plots are located on the north edge of Clearwater at the Farmer´s Co- op Elevator and located on the southeast corner of West 95th Street South and South 135th Street West. Further information is available by contacting Gary Cramer, Sedgwick County Extension agent at 316-722- 1432.

Website: http://www.ksu.edu

Published: April 15, 2010