Wheat prices around $7 a bushel have enticed new producers and those who haven't grown wheat in a few years to plant a crop. In addition, some producers have increased their acreage this year to take full advantage of the favorable prices. Specialists with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture will offer producers advice during the 2011 Winter Wheat Meeting to help ensure they have a successful growing season.

The meeting is from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. CST Jan. 11 at the Christian County extension office in Hopkinsville.

Speakers include members of the UK Wheat Science Group. They will discuss a variety of topics of interest to new and experienced wheat producers. These include Ug99 wheat stem rust, 15-inch row spacing, using remote sensing technology to apply nitrogen, wheat's role in weed control in Kentucky's traditional crop rotation, fall armyworms and marketing.

In addition to the UK speakers, Phil Needham of Needham Ag Technologies will discuss the basics of wheat production including pesticides. Steve Hunt, an agribusiness executive and producer, will discuss water quality issues in Kentucky. Mark Darrington, former chairman of the U.S. Wheat and National Association of Wheat Growers Joint Biotech Committee, will address preparing for the future of wheat, and Curt Anderson of Siemer Milling will talk about food and grain safety and security.

The Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association will provide lunch.

Continuing education units for Certified Crop Advisors are available in the following categories: 2 in pest management, 1.5 in crop management, 0.5 in professional development and 1 in soil and water. Pesticide applicator continuing education units are available in three general and one specific hours in categories in 1A, 10 and 12.

Preregistration is not required. For more information, contact Dottie Call, coordinator of UK's Wheat Science Group at 270-365-7541, ext. 234 or e-mail dcall@uky.edu.