Released: January 30, 2003

K-State to Co-Host Grain Sorghum Meetings

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University Research and Extension is teaming with several companies to present a series of Grain Sorghum Profit meetings during February.

"The drought of 2002 has left soil water levels low and producers concerned about the 2003 growing season," said Scott Staggenborg, Extension crops specialist for northeast Kansas. "Grain sorghum is a natural fit in these unpredictable environments since it needs less water to produce grain than corn or soybeans and is more drought tolerant than other crops."

K-State is partnering with BASF, Syngenta Crop Protection, Pioneer Seed and Triumph Seed to give producers an opportunity to learn the latest production techniques.

On Feb. 21, a meeting will be held in Salina at 9:30 a.m. at the 4-H Building at the fairgrounds in Kenwood Park. There is no charge for the Salina meeting and a complimentary lunch will be served. However, interested persons are encouraged to pre-register for meal planning purposes. For more information or to pre-register, call Tom Maxwell at 785-309-5850.

The Feb. 25 meeting will be in Inman at 10:15 a.m. at St. Peters Church. The cost of the program is $10, which includes lunch. Register by calling the Extension office in McPherson County (620-662-2371); Harvey County (316-284-6930); Reno County (620-662-2371); or Rice County (620-257-5131).

On Feb. 27, a meeting will be held in Marysville at 9:30 a.m. at the American Legion Hall. There is no charge, but interested persons are encouraged to register by calling Mike Vogt at 785-562-3531.

The meetings will feature presentations on grain sorghum water use and management practices to maximize yields, reduce the impact of disease and minimize insect damage, Staggenborg said.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Mary Lou Peter, Communications Specialist
mlpeter@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News