2016 Cereal Schools slated

This year’s annual Cereal Schools hosted by Idaho Wheat Commission, Idaho Barley Commission and the University of Idaho, are set to roll through Northern Idaho and Eastern and Southern  Idaho the last week of January and the first week of February.
University of Idaho personnel in north Idaho will focus on variety testing and liming research in wheat-legume rotations; regional soil pH survey results; weed control in cereals and legumes; a canola production update; and crop costs and returns updates.
“Attendees can expect the latest information about ongoing grass and broadleaf weed control in grains and legumes, learn about our regional soil acidity problems and new research to address those issues,” said Doug Finkelnburg, UI extension cropping systems educator in Nez Perce County.
A discussion of the economics of oilseed production and changing costs of production and their implications to area producers are also on the agenda, he said.
Educators in southeast Idaho will address vole control; insect and weed control using cover crops; last season’s insect issues; herbicide resistant weed management; managing cereal diseases; variety selection; and water management, including managing curtailment, input costs, grain quality and water efficiency.
The discussion on cereal diseases will focus on all the practices available to reduce disease, said Juliet Marshall, University of Idaho cereal pathologist.
Disease management is a multi-pronged approach, including fungicides, variety selection, irrigation management, and residue and rotation management, she said.
State pesticide applicator and certified crop advisor credits are offered. Lunch will be provided. Registration fees vary by location to help defray costs.
Northern Idaho
Registration is at 8 a.m. Program begins at 8:15 a.m. and adjourns at 1 p.m.
Jan. 26 – Greencreek, Community Hall, 1301 Greencreek Rd., no fee
Jan. 27 – Lewiston,  Ketch Pen, Lewiston Roundup Grounds, 2100 Tammany Creek Rd., $10
Jan. 28 – Bonners Ferry, UI Extension office, 6447 Kootenai St., no fee
Eastern and Southern Idaho
Registration is at 8:30 a.m. Program begins at 9 a.m. and adjourns at 3 p.m. at Ashton and Preston; 3:30 p.m. at Pocatello and Idaho Falls, and 3:40 p.m. at Burley
Feb. 2 – Burley, Morey’s Steak House, 219 E. 3rd St.,  $20
Feb. 3 – Pocatello, Red Lion Hotel, 1555 Pocatello Creek Rd., $20
Feb. 4 – Idaho Falls, Residence Inn, 635 West Broadway St., $20
Feb. 4 – Ashton, Trails Inn Restaurant, 213 2nd Street, $15
Feb. 5 – Preston, Robinson Building, Fairgrounds, 186 West 2nd North, $20.