Minnesota Small Grain Clinics Begin Soon

By Scout Nelson

The University of Minnesota Extension will host six small grain disease management clinics and plot tours across Minnesota during June and July. The educational events are designed to help farmers prepare for disease and pest issues that may affect wheat, barley, and oat crops during the growing season.

The clinics will provide hands-on learning opportunities at on-farm small grain research trial locations. Farmers and crop advisers attending the events will learn about crop scouting, disease identification, pest management, and field monitoring before the important flowering stage for small grains.

Organizers explained that the events aim to help growers recognize disease problems early and make informed crop management decisions during the season. The clinics will focus on practical field observations and current crop conditions in Minnesota production areas.

The first clinic is scheduled for June 10 near Rochester at the Lawler Research Farm. Additional events will take place June 17 near LeCenter at the Ruth Hoefs and Ron Pomije Farm, June 22 near Fergus Falls at the Walkup Farm, June 25 near Oklee at the Swenson Seed Farm, and June 26 near Humboldt at the Mark and Neil Wiese Farm. The final clinic is planned for July 7 near Strathcona at the Jim Kukowski Seed Farm.

Each event will run from 10 a.m. to noon and allow participants to observe field plots and discuss disease concerns directly in the field. The clinics are expected to cover common crop diseases, insect issues, and crop stress symptoms that can impact grain production and profitability.

University specialists believe early disease detection and proper management are important for protecting crop yields and maintaining grain quality. Farmers are encouraged to attend clinics closest to their region to gain local information and practical crop management guidance.

The University of Minnesota Extension continues to support growers through educational programs that focus on improving crop health, increasing management knowledge, and strengthening small grain production across the state.

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