"New this year, Practical Farmers is putting on its first conference focused exclusively on small grains. The conference – “Rotationally Raised – Making Small Grains Work” – will take place from 11 a.m to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17 at the Quality Inn and Suites in Ames. Registration is required by Thursday, Aug. 10, and is free for PFI members and $40 for non-members.

The conference will start with lunch at 11:30 a.m., where participants will hear a keynote from Don Halcomb, chairman of the Kentucky Small Grain Promotion Council. Don will share the history of how growers in Kentucky came together to create an association and wheat checkoff that has propelled Kentucky wheat production to nearly 30 million bushels annually through investment in small grains research, education and promotion.

The day will then feature four one-hour sessions on topics ranging from small grains production and markets to extended rotations, green manure and nitrogen synchronization. The afternoon will conclude with a reception where farmers will have the opportunity to interact directly with small grains buyers. For the full conference schedule – or to register – visit http://practicalfarmers.org/small%20grains/."