WOOSTER, Ohio – Small grains not only provide environmental benefits but economic benefits as well.

Small grains, such as cereal rye, wheat, oats, and barley, can be planted and used in a variety of ways. For example, small grains are seeing a comeback in crop rotations as a result of new regulations for nutrient management and water quality. When used as cover crops, they can help protect and improve soils.

Producers and certified crop advisors will have the opportunity to learn more about the benefits of including small grains in their operations during the Small Grains Field Day on June 14. The workshop will highlight current research in this area. The event is 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Ohio State’s Snyder and Schaffter Farm, 3220 Oil City Road, Wooster.

“Many folks around Wayne County are growing them for forages,” said Haley Zynda, OSU Extension educator, agriculture and natural resources, in Wayne County. “But adding a small grain in to be harvested as grain into a crop rotation can be beneficial in reducing insect pressure and breaking disease cycles.”

The field day will feature state specialists and researchers as presenters and will offer producers the chance to have one-on-one interaction with those doing the research. Topics include wheat cultivars, small grain variety trial updates, seeding rates, small grain disease, insect management, barley for brewing, and wheat quality.

Speakers include Drs. Pierce Paul, Laura Lindsey, Clay Sneller, Andy Michel, Eric Stockinger, Bryan Penning, and Byung-Kee Baik.

“The Small Grains Field Day is an event sponsored by the Ohio Corn and Wheat Board as an educational outreach program for their members,” Zynda said. “We will be sharing research updates and management considerations. The event is free thanks to their generous support. We will have lunch and see many demonstration plots covering insects, disease, fungicides, cultivars and grain quality.”

Registration may be made  by calling  330-264-8722 by June 7. For more information, contact Zynda at 330-264-8722 or zynda.5@osu.edu. Zynda said she has submitted paperwork for certified crop adviser credits to be made available for participants. Registration is required and includes lunch, refreshments and program handouts.