We have multiple events this summer where you can learn more about our research and about small grains in Illinois more generally. These are field-day type events and Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) can be earned. More details on this will be provided within the next few weeks.

Small Grains Field Fest

May 20th, 3-5 pm

Located at Riggs Beer Company in Urbana, IL, this event is for anyone who is curious about small grains including wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and oats. Demonstration plots are located on-site next to the brewery. The small grains breeder from Virginia will be joining us as a special guest to talk about barley varieties adapted to Illinois. Matt Riggs, owner of Riggs Beer Company, will speak about his experience producing small grains for brewing.

Southern Illinois Wheat Tour

May 23rd, 8am -8pm

This event is organized by the Illinois Wheat Association (IWA). For more details and to register visit the IWA event webpage. During the event, participants visit wheat fields throughout Southern Illinois to collect data that is used to get an estimate of the average yield. At 4pm, groups convene at the Southern Illinois University (SIU) Belleville Research station to tour the Official State Variety Trial Plots and our wheat breeding plots. Both sets of plots are together in the same field and field books will be provided.

University of Illinois Small Grains Field Day

June 2nd, 8:30am -12:30pm (register here)

At this event, participants will tour the University of Illinois Wheat and Oat breeding programs at the South Farm Research and Education Center. We will meet at 8:30 am at the Agronomy Seed House at 2102 S Wright St, Urbana, IL 61802. Coffee and pastries will be provided. During the tour, we will explain the different stages of the breeding process, how we conduct field trials, and our ongoing research to accelerate genetic improvement of small grains.

Participants will also get acquainted with the University of Illinois breeding germplasm and understand its unique strengths. Both program leaders and graduate students will present during this field day. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussions catering to the interests of attendees. In the event of rain, this event will be postponed until June 5th. Fill out the online registration form to receive more information and updates about the event.