Fair's wheat plot contest a challenge

By NANCY B. PETERSON

K-State Research and Extension

HUTCHINSON --- Winners in the 2000 4-H/Future Farmers of America Wheat Variety Plot contest at the Kansas State Fair faced some unusual challenges this year.

Aaron Lamb, a 4-Her from Harper County, struggled with soggy crop conditions. Lamb, who placed second in the contest, measured 36 inches of rain during the growing season. Joseph Blecha, a 4-Her from Republic County, struggled with unusually dry conditions; he measured only seven inches of rain during the growing season, but still managed to place third in the contest.

"Coping with the weather is part of farming," said Walter Barker, K-State Research and Extension NW 4-H youth program specialist, who coordinates the wheat plot contest each year.

"In Kansas, weather conditions may not always be as extreme as they have been this year. It is, however, good for young people to develop a better understanding of how weather can influence their crop, affect the economic conditions in the state and the price of grain products sold to consumers," Barker said.

The annual contest drew 65 entries this year. Barker reported that steady interest in the contest demonstrates that future farmers and grain scientists are learning about new varieties of wheat as well as how environmental conditions can influence crop production. The contest also offers an opportunity for them to compare new varieties with traditional varieties.

"Increasing interest in white wheat and its potential value in international marketing opportunities that should be beneficial to the farm economy --- and the state's economy --- also are represented in the contest entries this year," said Gary Gerhard, Assistant Director, K-State Research and Extension and state program leader, 4- H Youth Development.

"This project begins with the selection of the seed and continues through harvest. It's a project that requires continuing interest and attention, but it also provides an unusual learning opportunity that would be hard to replicate," he said.

Gerhard also recognized contest sponsors --- the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Crop Improvement Association and Kansas Grain and Feed Association --- for their continued interest and willingness to offer educational awards.

The 2000 4-H/FFA Wheat Variety Plot Winners are:

First Place: David Miller, Reno County, member of the Haven 4-H Club. Miller's work earned him an expense-paid grain marketing tour of the grain science, agronomy and plant science departments at Kansas State University, the American Institute of Baking and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Grain Marketing Research Center, all in Manhattan, and a trip to Kansas City to see the Kansas City Board of Trade and several milling and baking sites. The winner's trip is provided by the Kansas Wheat Commission.

Second place: Aaron Lamb, Harper County, a member of the Hilltopper's 4-H Club.

Third place: Joseph Blecha, Republic County, a member of the Munden 4-H Club.

Fourth place: Matt Benoit, Rooks County, a member of the Palco 4- H Club.

Fifth place: Julie Wood, Rush County, a member of the Walnut City 4-H Club.

Copyright 2000
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