The UK Wheat Science Group and Grain Crops Group work to help Kentucky growers produce corn, soybeans, wheat and other grains more efficiently and sustainably. The challenge as a group is to plan and carry out programs that bring research and educational extension together for the benefit of KY Grain crops community. 

The groups meet annually in a central location to coordinate educational programs and research collaborations for the upcoming year.  This meeting also provides team members an opportunity to brainstorm, discuss challenging situations and put forth improvements for the upcoming year.  The agenda is designed to facilitate conversation among researchers and specialist working in common subject areas – the Wheat Science group is the focus of the first afternoon/evening followed by a joint session which addresses common issues for all crops.  The meeting concludes with a focus on Corn & Soybean Group work. 

As a group our efforts are showcased annually at the 2018 Soybean & Tobacco Field Day (230 attended), 2019 Winter Wheat Meeting (120 attended), 2019 Wheat Field Day (120 attended). This year members have also contributed to Kentucky Agriculture Training School events (5), Integrated Pest Management Field Day and numerous educational meeting around the state.  

In addition, discussions at the 2018 planning meeting led to other logistical improvements for the 2019 Corn, Soybean & Tobacco Field Day and a renewed emphasis on the distribution of time sensitive information. Over 2400 Wheat Science Newsletters were distributed and KyGrains.org blog was visited over 15000 times. 

The importance of this meeting cannot be overstated.  It is a reflective look at the year gone by, discussion on how to improve the year ahead and an overview of what we are planning for the future.