August 3, 2001

Virginia Small Grains Association
Annual Conference Set for August 16

BLACKSBURG -- The Virginia Small Grains Association will hold its annual conference, Thursday, Aug. 16 at New Kent High School. The one-day educational forum brings together experts in the areas of small grains marketing, production and research.

The conference will focus on markets, market development, and new varieties. Featured speakers on marketing include Mike Pate, Midstate Mills in North Carolina; Michael Mayes, R. O. Mayes & Son Wholesale Grain; Jonah Bowles, with the marketing division of the Virginia Farm Bureau; and Bill Mark, marketing consultant with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

More Information Producing Virginia's Small Grains For Human Consumption

Carl Griffey, Virginia Tech small grains breeder, will present results of innovative breeding programs with multiple wheat types. A panel of farmers will discuss their experiences with the production of hard wheats and two varieties of French wheat. Dan Brann, Extension grains specialist, will present a variety and management update and discuss other developments in small grain research.

In addition, Henry Wilson, Virginia Tech wheat scientist, and Scott Hagood, Virginia Tech weed specialist, will provide an update on changes in weed control with emphasis on ryegrass. Highlighting an ongoing conservation project in the Chesapeake Watershed area, Paul Davis of Virginia Cooperative Extension will present a video showcasing benefits of continuous no-till.

Also, Bryan Noyes of the Colonial Soil and Water Conservation District will present some of the results of the ongoing cost-share program. Brian Sweatland with the National Association of Wheat Growers will provide a brief update on the Farm Bill, and David Taliaferro of Montague Farms, will report on the activities of the Virginia Small Grains Check-off Board. Results of the 2001 Wheat and Barley Yield Contest will also be announced.

The conference starts with registration and a light breakfast at 8:30 am. Exhibitor spaces are available for $50 per space. New Kent High School is located on Route 249 in New Kent County. For further information contact Ellen Davis of the Virginia Small Grains Association at (804) 843-4456 or Paul Davis,

Contact: Dan Brann
Virginia Cooperative Extension grains specialist
Virginia Tech
(540) 231-9800
dbrann@vt.edu

Writer: Stewart MacInnis
Public Relations Coordinator
Virginia Tech
(540) 231-5863
macinnis@vt.edu

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