K-State Research and Extension announced Tuesday: "The 2017 Kansas 4-H and FFA Wheat Variety Plot program begins fall of 2016 and goes through September 2017. Members should contact their local Extension Office by July 10 for information with enrollments due to the Northwest Area Extension Office by July 25, 2016."
Tyree Ag believes it is important for youth to be involved in and to continue learning all aspects of crop production. We encourage youth in all counties to enroll in this program - creating the opportunity for them to do something different from the regular 4-H plant science project. Participants are not required to be enrolled in the 4-H plant science project, however the wheat plot variety plot activity does strengthen the project itself. All Kansas youth who are aged 9-18 before January 1 are eligible to participate.
Members who enroll are provided 10 lbs each of five varieties of certified wheat, supplied by donors. A 2 x 3 foot baked enamel steel plot sign is provided one time to designate the variety plots and five smaller steel signs to identify each variety for comparison and observation during the growing season. Participants are encouraged to use approved practices in soil preparation, planting, fertilization, and harvesting of their wheat plots. In addition, a wheat variety plot record is provided to encourage observation and recording of varietal information throughout the growing season. Each participant is encouraged to develop a 4-H wheat variety display for the local county fair to inform the general public about wheat production, wheat quality, varietal differences, yields, mill-bake qualities, and marketing. The top 4-H wheat variety display at each county fair is eligible to enter the state 4-H wheat variety display competition at the Kansas State Fair in Hutchinson. More information on how to create and progress your plot can be found by reading the Youth Participant Handbook for the Wheat Variety Plot.
Incentives for enrolling in this activity includes (1) public exposure to share your educational experience and to promote 4-H Youth Development, (2) strengthening your total 4-H learning experiences which can help you earn scholarships or awards, (3) becoming a wheat expert by knowing more about five varieties in your plot than most wheat producers, and (4) eligibility to display your work at the county fair and possibly at the State Fair. In addition, the displays exhibited at the Kansas State Fair are eligible for the following awards: Champion, $250 and plaque, Kansas Wheat Commission; Reserve Champion, $100 and plaque, Kansas Crop Improvement Association; third through fifth place, plaque and cash awards, Kansas Grain and Feed Association. State Fair ribbons are awarded for each display entered.
Tyree Ag will sponsor and provide the $30.00 fee for all Edwards County participants who enroll in the Wheat Variety Plot Activity. All we ask is to see the progress your plot makes throughout the year, as well as the final outcome!
All information and forms can be found on the K-State Research and Extension website or by contacting Northwest Area 4-H Youth Development Specialist, Deryl E. Waldren, dwaldren@ksu.edu, 785-462-6281. But FIRST, please contact your local extension office as they can answer your questions regarding the project and activity. Edwards County K-State Research and Extension: 620-659-2149, ed@listserv.ksu.edu.
