HAYS, Kan. – Kansas’ most celebrated crop will be highlighted during the annual Kansas Wheat Day May 23 in Hays.

The event begins at 9 a.m. at the Kansas State University Agricultural Research Center-Hays. There is no cost to attend.

Pat Coyne, Head of the research center, said the annual Kansas Wheat Day is important because it celebrates an "integral" partnership between the Center and Kansas wheat farmers.

K-State’s wheat research is supported by a one-cent per bushel mill levy in Kansas. That money is administered through the Kansas Wheat Commission.

The program includes discussions on the future of federal farm policy, and issues pertaining to wheat and genetically-modified organisms. Several afternoon field tours, highlighting current research, also are planned.

Speakers include:

* Marc Johnson, Director of K-State Research and Extension, and Dean of the K-State College of Agriculture.

* Barry Flinchbaugh, K-State Extension state leader in agricultural economics, and also chair of the 21st Century Commission on Agriculture, a committee that is helping to write the next farm bill.

* Bob Bowden, K-State professor of plant pathology.

* Darrell Hanavan, Executive Director of the Colorado Wheat Administrative Committee, and chair of the joint U.S. Wheat Associates-National Association of Wheat Growers biotech committee.

* Kelly Clauss, an agricultural communications specialist with Monsanto Corporation.

The event is co-sponsored by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Crop Improvement Association, and the K-State Agricultural Research Center-Hays.

This year’s annual Kansas Wheat Day will also include activities to recognize the 100th year anniversary of the Agricultural Research Center at Hays. The official community celebration is scheduled for September 7-8.

For more information, or to arrange special accommodations, interested persons may call the Hays center at 785-625-3425.