South Dakota State University Extension invites producers and community members to the 37th annual Winter Wheat Meeting in Draper on Aug. 27, 2026.
This year’s meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. CDT at the City of Draper Auditorium, with a sponsored meal served beforehand. It is free to attend, and no registration is required.
Clarence Winter, SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specialist, said winter wheat is a unique crop because it is grown across all four seasons of the year. That can present unique challenges for wheat producers, who depend on favorable conditions at critical points throughout the production cycle.
“Unfortunately, drought conditions persisted across many parts of the state this year, contributing to variable and, in some cases, disappointing wheat yields. At the same time, challenging years often provide some of the best opportunities to learn,” Winter said. “This year's Draper Winter Wheat Meeting, like those in the past, is designed around the most relevant challenges producers experienced in the field.”
For over three decades, this event has brought timely research and variety trial updates to South Dakota wheat producers. The 2026 meeting will continue that tradition, featuring the latest results from SDSU’s winter wheat variety trials and other research relevant to growers in the state and surrounding region. All those interested in wheat production are encouraged to attend.
This year’s speakers include Sunish Sehgal, SDSU professor and lead winter wheat breeder, who will present findings from the 2026 winter wheat variety trials and share updates on ongoing breeding efforts.
Source : sdstate.edu