Keeping grain crop producers, consultants and others in the industry informed on the latest research and relevant management basics is an ongoing challenge. As a group, we provide a variety of educational opportunities and events over the course of the year. One of these is the annual Corn, Soybean & Tobacco Field Day which provides an engaging yet time efficient platform for our diverse team of specialists and researchers to address a variety of issues facing the industry today.

As Grain Crop Coordinator, my responsibilities for this event include planning, coordinating speakers, publicizing and overseeing the day’s events to assure our mission is met. On July 27, 2017 the Grain Crops Group held its annual Wheat Field Day.  The field day provided 220 participants (42 female) an “in the field” venue in which 11 of our researchers and specialists were able to present information on a variety of grain crop related topics.  Over 80% of the participants who filled out the survey indicated that they planned to make changes in the next season (2018) based on the information presented during the field day.  The field day provided the opportunity for 70 participants to receive continuing educational credits.   In addition, we were able to extend our educational effort to 3 neighboring states.  

The success of this program is a result of the partnership between the UK Grain Crops Group, the Kentucky Corn Growers Association, the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board and feedback obtain from our participants.