Approximately 22 million acres of wheat, corn, sorghum, soybeans and sunflowers are harvested in Kansas each year. However, this number represents considerably fewer acres than are planted since the harsh and variable climate of Kansas makes production of these crops both challenging and risky. Annual rainfall varies from 16 inches on the western border to over 40 inches in the Southeast corner. Evapo-transpiration potentials exceed 60 inches in much of western Kansas, and both heat and cold damage crops regularly. This program seeks ways to help Kansas farmers understand and overcome the risks created by our climate. This entails interaction with plant breeders and field agronomists to develop cultivars more resistant to heat damage in summer, that can germinate and grow rapidly under cold soil conditions, and that are more efficient users of available water. These scientists work with crop and soil scientist to identify management practices appropriate for this challenging climate, and to find alternate crops more adapted to this environment. The extension component of the program works to transfer information and technology generated to the appropriate audiences.