Program Date

Segment Title and Description

Listen and/or
Download

WHEAT: BEYOND THE VALUE OF THE GRAIN – Kansas Wheat, in collaboration with Kansas State University researchers, has kicked off a new educational campaign aimed at farmers, landowners, financial institutions and policymakers. “Wheat: Beyond the Value of the Grain” emphasizes the wide-ranging advantages of including winter wheat in a cropping system, extending far beyond the grain’s market price. Gordon Clark has more.

TARGETING WHEAT INFLUENCERS – The president of the Wheat Foods Council, Tim O’Connor, was a recent guest on the “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast with Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations. The two discussed how the organization is targeting “wheat influencers” to redefine wheat foods in the public eye. Gordon Clark has more.

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF BREADS – Just in time for home bakers to experiment over the holidays, entries for the 2025 National Festival of Breads are currently being accepted through January 16th. This biennial quick bread and yeast bread competition allows amateur bakers to showcase their baking skills with original recipes. Gordon Clark has more on this year’s National Festival of Breads competition.

CROP QUALITY SEMINARS – The official results are in for quality testing for the U.S. hard red winter wheat crop, and Kansas Wheat is set to share the story of this past year’s growing season with global buyers by participating in the annual Crop Quality Seminars organized by U.S Wheat Associates. Gordon Clark has more.

CELEBRATING A LOVE FOR WHEAT FOODS – The 2024 recipe book from the Kansas Wheat Commission has something for everyone to try and enjoy. This year’s edition also holds extra significance as each recipe celebrates the legacies of two home baking wheat industry leaders – Sharon Davis and Charlene Patton – who dedicated their careers to educating all ages about wheat foods and home baking. Amelia Schatz has more.

WHEAT GROWERS FACE CHALLENGES – Parched soil and warmer-than-average temperatures, combined with low prices, have dampened the hopes of Kansas wheat producers who are dusting in their wheat crop. The climatic conditions don’t provide much hope for a change in the weather through the winter, leaving growers praying for spring showers. Amelia Schatz takes an extended look at the challenges Kansas wheat growers are facing.

CELEBRATING LOCAL COOPERATIVES – Each October, the Kansas Cooperative Council celebrates National Co-op Month. More than just a prairie skyscraper, these member-owned, member-controlled businesses are an integral part of Kansas communities – continuously investing in new services, resources and infrastructure to help their farmer member-owners. Amelia Schatz has more.

CONSIDER THE COLEOPTILE LENGTH – Producers have a lot to consider when deciding when to start planting wheat – moisture, soil temperature, Hessian fly-free dates and more. Based on research from Kansas State University, Amelia Schatz says another consideration may appear small, at least physically, but could have a big impact come harvest – coleoptile length.

GRAIN CRAFT’S INNOVATION AND QUALITY LAB – When the final fields are cut, the trucks empty, the bins full and the combines cleaned out, Kansas wheat farmers breathe a sigh of relief that harvest season is complete. But for Kathy Brower, lab manager for Grain Craft’s Innovation and Quality Lab, harvest is just the start of her busy season as she takes samples from those farmers and tests the wheat to see how well it will perform in making a consistently good load of bread. Amelia Schatz has more.

DON’T PLANT WHEAT TOO EARLY – In addition to the Kansas State Fair and football games, September also marks the kickoff of wheat planting season for Kansas farmers. While producers may be eyeing opportunities with moisture availability or to increase forage for a dual-purpose system, K-State experts caution producers against planting too early because this can result in fields suffering from disease, insect, and weed pressure from the very start of the growing season. Amelia Schatz has more.

USDA TO DEREGULATE HB4 – The U.S Department of Agriculture announced it will deregulate the HB4 drought tolerant trade in wheat. U.S. Wheat Associates has commended USDA’s thorough, science-based process and expressed confidence in the trait’s potential to deliver significant benefits for both producers and consumers. Amelia Schatz has more.

TRADE TEAM VISITS KANSAS – South African milling companies know their wheat – both in terms of the quality they need to produce the high-loaf pan bread their consumers eat and the price advantages and disadvantages of global wheat supplies. That means promoting U.S. wheat requires sharing information and demonstrating the advantages of the U.S. marketing system – both goals a South African trade team visit that traveled to Kansas in August. Amelia Schatz has more.

INSIGHT ON SORGHUM AND WHEAT – Roughly 130 wheat and sorghum growers recently listened to insights and recommendations on seed technology, foliar fungicide applications, grain marketing and more as part of the Sorghum U/Wheat U event in Wichita. Keynote speaker Matt Hines provided a market outlook and outlined grain marketing strategies for the wheat and sorghum markets. He also joined Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, Aaron Harries, on the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast. Amelia Schatz has more.

WHEAT’S ORIGIN STORY – Researchers are still unlocking the secrets of the wild relatives of ancient wheat to improve modern-day varieties – and a collection of seeds housed in Manhattan is key to this work. On a recent episode of the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, Aaron Harries, talked with Bikram Gill and John Raupp with K-State’s Wheat Genetics Resource center to share wheat’s origin story and how the collection continues to provide valuable genetic resources for modern wheat breeding program. Amelia Schatz has more.

DUAL-PURPOSE SYSTEMS TRIALS – As Kansas farmers pour over field trial data to select which varieties to plant this fall, there’s new guidance available for those considering adding or expanding fall grazing on wheat acres. K-State Research and Extension recently released the results of trials for 16 wheat varieties for performance in dual-purpose systems where wheat is grown for both forage and grain production. Amelia Schatz has more.

LIFE ON THE HARVEST RUN – A recent documentary features two Kansas-based custom harvesting crews that travel across the Great Plains chasing the next field to cut. The documentary, Life on the Harvest Run, by Fort Hays State University’s Tiger Media Network, captures the frustrations – unpredictable weather, equipment breakdowns and technology issues – they faced and whether or not the next generation is willing to take on those challenges. Amelia Schatz has more.

WHEAT STREAK MOSAIC VIRUS – Kelsey Anderson Onofre, assistant professor of plant pathology at Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture, says Kansas producers should keep their eyes on their fields to monitor and control volunteer wheat. She says doing so is essential to protecting next summer’s harvest as those sneaky plants harbor the wheat curl mites that carry yield-limiting diseases like Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. Amelia Schatz has more.

SORGHUM U/WHEAT U IN AUGUST – The Kansas Wheat at High Plains Journal’s Sorghum U/Wheat U event is being held on Tuesday, August 13th, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Wichita. The free, one-day event starts with a breakfast and a producer panel discussion featuring sorghum and wheat producers. There will also be breakout sessions throughout the day providing additional opportunities for producers to hear the latest in wheat research, technology and management recommendations. Amelia Schatz has more.

KANSAS 4-H WHEAT EXPO – It is county 4-H season in Kansas! Whether your 4-Her is cleaning wheat samples from the combine, mounting the perfect harvest photo or still testing out recipes for food entries, mark your calendar for the Kansas 4-H Wheat Expo for an additional showcase and learning opportunity. This year’s event is scheduled for August 12th at Pottorf Hall in Manhattan and includes tours of the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center and the Hal Ross Flour Mill. Amelia Schatz has more.

WHEAT HARVEST RESULTS AND MORE – Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin joined the Wheat’s on Your Mind podcast to share his perspectives on the 2024 harvest, the new wheat export marketing year, Kansans serving as industry leaders and more. Gilpin says the phrase “better than expected” is the year’s common theme, but one that needs to be put into context. Amelia Schatz has more.

RECOVERING AFTER A TORNADO – The latest Wheat’s on Your Mind podcast, hosted by Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, Aaron Harries, is a firsthand account of how the lives of Ken and Deb Wood was forever changed after an EF4 tornado tore across north central Kansas on May 25, 2015. As Amelia Schatz reports, what could only be a story of devastation is also one of hope, community and resilience.

FEEDING WHEAT TO SWINE – Kansas State University researchers and representatives of Kansas Wheat have published updated findings on the value of feeding wheat to pigs. The findings, which are highlighted in three Fact Sheets, indicates wheat provides a high level of mean energy content when used in swine diets and can be fed at a similar rate as corn. Marsha Boswell has more.

WFC HOLDS ITS SUMMER MEETING – The Wheat Foods Council (WFC), made up of millers, bakers, ingredient suppliers, equipment companies, state wheat commissions and wheat farmers, recently held its summer meeting in Manhattan. In addition to exploring the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, Hal Ross Flour Mill and the IGP Institute, members learned about the latest in wheat breeding technologies and genetics. As Marsha Boswell reports, WFC chairman for the past year, Kansas wheat farmer Ron Suppes, also passed the leadership baton to Kent Juliot with Ardent Mills.

TURKEY RED’S 150^TH YEAR IN KANSAS – The world is holding its breath this year for the Kansas wheat harvest to kick into full swing, but 150 years ago, the first harvest of Turkey Red wheat was largely dismissed as a small experiment. However, the introduction and adoption of this single variety, would forever change the wheat industry and establish the genetic lineage for the wheat Kansas farmers will harvest this summer. Amelia Schatz has more.

RADENBERG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Growing up on his family’s operation south of Hays, Wyatt Grabbe watched his father, grandfather and uncle shift from conventional tillage to no-till, experiment with cover crops and biologics and take advantage of the latest varieties and technology. As he prepares to enter his second year at Northwest Kansas Technical College in Goodland, Wyatt plans to take what he’s learned in his associate degree program in precision agriculture back to the farm – making him an excellent candidate for the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship. Amelia Schatz has more.

WHEAT VARIETY PROTOCOLS – The journey from a potential genetic cross to the latest released wheat variety requires years of testing by public and private wheat breeders. Marsha Boswell details each step in the process.

WQC HARD WINTER WHEAT TOUR – The 2024 Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour across Kansas wrapped up May 16. During the three days of wheat scouting, tour participant traveled six routes from Manhattan to Colby to Wichita and back to Manhattan. Amelia Schatz reports on the condition of winter wheat observed during the tour.

ADDRESSING STRIPE RUST – The appearance of stripe rust adds insult to injury for this year’s crop, but growers should scout fields and have their management strategy ready for this yield and quality-limiting disease. Wheat Ag Pest Monitor reports stripe rust has now been detected in 35 Kansas counties. Amelia Schatz has more.

PROMISING WHEAT CROP IS DISAPPEARING – April showers bring may flowers, but an April without showers brings disappointment to a wheat crop that had a lot of promise coming out of the winter. What’s even worse than a continuing multiyear drought is the loss of hope being felt throughout central and southern Kansas for a crop that, in January and February, was one of the better-looking wheat crops they’d seen in the past ten years. Amelia Schatz has more on the current condition of the Kansas wheat crop.

AGRO CONNECTION; EATWHEAT.ORG – Whether you’re looking to catch up on the latest in the wheat industry, hear stories of Kansas wheat farming families or explore the larger world of wheat, you’ll find it in the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast. The two most recent podcasts walk through the importance of good communication strategy in promoting the U.S. wheat industry, whether by using analytics to better target consumers or by connecting Brazilian and American farmers. Amelia Schatz has more.

HERB CLUTTER SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT – Kaden Weltmer’s first three words were mom, dad and tractor. That combined passion for family and agriculture has never wavered as he worked on the family operation, took on leadership roles in 4-H and competed in FFA. Now a high school senior, his continued commitment to studying agriculture at Kansas State University and his plans to return to the family operation following college make him an ideal recipient for the 2024 Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship, administered by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. Amelia Schatz has more.

2024 WHEAT CROP CONDITIONS – The dramatic springtime weather we see across Kansas can leave everyone wondering what’s coming next, especially wheat producers watching their stands green up after winter. To see how this year’s crop is stacking up compared to last year’s drought-stricken fields, Kansas Wheat talked to a number of farm leaders from across the state. In general, they found the wheat crop needs more moisture, but that producers are reporting better stands than last year. Amelia Schatz has more.

NATIONAL WHEAT YIELD CONTEST – Kansas Wheat encourages wheat farmers with renewed enthusiasm for this year’s harvest to enter the ninth annual National Wheat Yield Contest. Whether they caught a break from Mother Nature with moisture this winter or benefitted from perfect planting and growth conditions, Amelia Schatz says those wanting to compete in the contest’s winter wheat categories have until May 15 to enter.

USW BOARD TEAM TRADE MISSION – During a recent board team trade mission to Sub-Saharan Africa, Gary Millershaski, farmer and chairman of the Kansas Wheat Commission, learned that developing international markets is not so dissimilar to planting a wheat crop. Both require substantial investments upfront, and it takes time to reap the returns. Amelia Schatz has more on the recent trade mission.

SHARING K-STATE RESEARCH RESULTS – As wheat fields green up across Kansas, a pair of recent Wheat Rx seminars delivered expert advice to growers on how to unlock the genetic potential of wheat varieties for their specific geographies and operations and use research-informed methods to produce high-yielding and high-quality wheat. Amelia Schatz has more.

KANSAS WHEAT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM – Not every wheat farmer can see and handle the flour made from their harvest, let alone taste a loaf of bread made from that wheat. However, as Amelia Schatz reports, a wheat farmer from Washington, Kansas, was able to experience that as one of eight participants in the second annual 2024 Kansas Wheat Leadership Program which provides hands-on exposure and technical insights from across the wheat industry.

THE WHEAT VALUE CHAIN – Sharing the wonder and inner workings of the wheat industry from the farm to the miller to the baker to the end consumer is one of the goals of the Wheat Foods Council, which recently held its annual board meeting in San Antonio, Texas. Kansas wheat farmer Ron Suppes, chair of the Wheat Foods Council this year, says that building those connections along the wheat value chain is a major role of the organization. Amelia Schatz has more.

CELEBRATE BAKE AND TAKE MONTH – Bake and Take Month, which began in 1970 as a community service project of the Kansas Wheathearts – an auxiliary organization of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers – is still celebrated each March. It provides a great opportunity for families and service groups to get together in the kitchen and prepare a variety of fresh-baked wheat foods for relatives, friends, co-workers, neighbors and anyone who likes to eat. Amelia Schatz has more on the history and traditions of this annual celebration.

REVERSE ENGINEERING TO IMPROVE WHEAT – For researchers at Kansas State University’s Wheat Genetics Resource Center, using powerful new tools like gene editing, scientists are taking a molecular look at how to reverse engineer nature’s “survival of the fittest” in the laboratory to improve disease resistance, increase yield and protein quality and even reduce gluten toxicity for individuals with celiac disease. Amelia Schatz has more on this latest research – which is the focus of the latest “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast.

KANSAS WHEAT Rx MEETINGS – Producing high-yielding and high-quality wheat is every wheat farmer’s goal. In Kansas, a number of variables can make that extremely difficult. As a result, Kansas Wheat and K-State Research and Extension are partnering to present Kansas Wheat Rx, a combination of suggested management practices for economical and sustainable production of high-quality winter wheat in Kansas. Amelia Schatz has more on two Wheat Rx meetings being held in March.

HEARTLAND PLANT INNOVATIONS – A farmer-backed, for-profit plant services company housed at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center – Heartland Plant Innovations (HPI) – is accelerating and improving the wheat breeding pipeline. Dusti Gallagher, HPI president/CEO, recently sat down with Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, on the Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast to discuss the formation of HPI and the work it’s conducting. Amelia Schatz has more.

KANSAS WHEAT TALKS POLICY – Kansas wheat farmers voiced their concerns and priorities for the next Farm Bill last week – both at home and during the 2024 Kansas Commodity Classic and in the nation’s capital as part of the national winter wheat meetings. Amelia Schatz has more.

TWO KANSAS WHEAT SCHOLARSHIPS – High school seniors and current Kansas college students have until March 15, 2024 to apply for one of two scholarships from Kansas Wheat honoring industry leaders Herb Clutter and David Radenberg. Amelia Schatz says the scholarships – each worth $1,000 – continue a proud tradition of supporting the future of the Kansas Wheat industry.

STORIES OF STEWARDSHIP – A new video series, Stories of Stewardship, was launched on January 10 by U.S. Wheat Associates, the industry’s export market development organization. The video series features U.S. farmers explaining how they responsibly manage the land and natural resources entrusted to their care. Each episode will focus on how wheat producers help feed the world while acting as stewards of soil, water and the environment. In this week’s Wheat Scoop, Amelia Schatz takes a closer look at the Stories of Stewardship video series.

2024 KANSAS COMMODITY CLASSIC – Kansas corn, wheat, soybean and sorghum growers are invited to attend the Kansas Commodity Classic later this month in Salina. The Classic will feature updates on the Farm Bill, market discussions, weather and climate outlook and more. Amelia Schatz has a complete rundown on this year’s Kansas Commodity Classic.

WOMEN MANAGING THE FARM – This year’s Women Managing the Farm Conference in Manhattan, Kansas, February 14-16, marks the 20th anniversary of the conference. The conference will feature nationally renowned keynote speakers, in-depth breakout sessions, and the opportunity for women to network with other farmers, rural business leaders and landowners. Amelia Schatz previews this year’s conference.

Program Date

Segment Title and Description

Listen and/or
Download

A DEEP DIVE INTO FLOUR MILLING AND BAKING – Wheat farmers, grain trade representatives and state and national wheat organization staff members attended a flour milling short course earlier this month at the IGP Institute at Kansas State University. This annual course is a deep dive into milling and baking processes and gives wheat growers and industry personnel training in the basic principles of flour milling and a greater understanding of the relationship between wheat quality and flour performance. Amelia Schatz has more.

REDUCING GLUTEN IN WHEAT-BASED FOODS – Kansas State University researchers have reported making a breakthrough in developing wheat-based foods that contain lower amounts of gluten. According to Amelia Schatz, the discovery may lessen the adverse effects for those with celiac or other autoimmune diseases. She has more on the research and its implications.

GIVE THE GIFT OF AWARD-WINNING RECIPES – If you need a stocking stuffer for your favorite baker or want to try something new for the holiday spread, order a copy of the 2023 Kansas Wheat Commission Recipe Book. Amelia Schatz says this year’s recipe book features the winning entries from the 2023 National Festival of Breads, making it a must-have for recipe collectors and home bakers alike.

A CONNECTION TO WHEAT GROWERS – Derek Sawyer, who farms near McPherson and serves as a Kansas Wheat Commissioner, used to not think too much past the bushels and protein levels of the wheat he delivered the elevator. However, after joining U.S. Wheat Associates on their November crop quality seminars in South America, he now understands that end-use markets want not just data, but a direct connection back to the farmers who grow the wheat they purchase. Amelia Schatz has more.

BRINGING BAKING INTO THE HOME – Charlene Patton and Sharon Davis have been the heartbeat of the Home Baking Association (HBA) for more than two decades The pair were honored for their work to bring baking into the homes of families during the HBA’s annual meeting in Sunriver, Oregon, where the association also celebrated 100 years as an organization. Amelia Schatz has more.

KANSAS WHEAT HELPS MAKE THE FEAST– November, which features everything pumpkin, including breads, muffins and desserts, is a great time to celebrate National Bread Month. Toss in Thanksgiving, which is centered around family and food, and we should all be thankful that Kansas farmers are so adept at growing the wheat that’s a key ingredient in many of our holiday favorites. This week, Amelia Schatz shares some of Kansas Wheat’s favorite holiday recipes.

USDA FARM TO SCHOOL PLATE GRANTS– Kansas children are learning more about the wheat grown in their communities and loving eating more whole grain-rich foods. As Aaron Harries reports, it’s thanks to a USDA grant that is enabling school districts and daycares across the state to purchase equipment and source locally produced flour.

CHINESE TRADE TEAM VISITS KANSAS– As part of a five-state tour of the wheat industry, the first Chinese wheat industry trade team to visit Kansas in over a decade was in Manhattan November 1st. The trade team’s aim was to learn more about the U.S. grain marketing system in terms of logistics, inspection and risk development and to better understand the advantages of U.S. wheat in terms of functionality in both Chinese steamed products and Western baked goods. Amelia Schatz has more.

EXPANDING GLOBAL MARKET ACCESS– Kansas Wheat is joining U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers in thanking U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for announcing new USDA funding to increase global food assistance and expand global market access for wheat growers. Amelia Schatz has more.

KANSAS STATE FAIR WHEATIES– From beautiful hand-crafted wheat weavings to stunning captured moments of the growing season to hefty jars and bags filled with wheat kernels, Kansas Wheaties brought their best entries to the Kansas State Fair. Amelia Schatz has more.

RECOGNIZING LOCAL COOPERATIVES– The flurry of fall fieldwork makes October a fitting month to recognize the cooperatives that help supply Kansas wheat producers with grain storage, marketing, field recommendations, inputs and patronage. As Amelia Schatz reports, national Co-op Month is a nationwide event that raises awareness of how cooperatives provide a tried-and-true way to do business and support resilient communities.

MENNONITE IMPACT ON KANSAS WHEAT– Kansas author Glenn Ediger left no threshing stone unturned as he embarked on a historical hunt for the tools used by the Mennonites who settled in and around central Kansas. He has uncovered the unique set of events that brought some of the most innovative farmers in the world to Kansas and established hard red winter wheat as a Kansas staple. Ediger recently shared what he learned with listeners of the “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast. Amelia Schatz has more.

WHEAT STREAK MOSAIC VIRUS– Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is a devastating disease in Kansas, and volunteer wheat in the field and all surrounding fields must be removed prior to planting. With farmers currently drilling winter wheat, they’re reminded to be a good neighbor and control volunteer wheat. An infected field can impact thousands of acres in immediate proximity, depending on environmental factors. Amelia Schatz has more.

PROVIDING FOOD TO THOSE IN NEED– The introduction of the bi-partisan American Farmers Feed the World Act of 2023 in the U.S. Senate is supported by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers. Amelia Schatz has more on the legislation to restore the original intent of the Food for Peace program.

WINTER WHEAT PLANTING– Kansas wheat producers are in the beginning stages of planting winter wheat with planting, as of September 10th, 4% complete, slightly behind the five-year average. Amelia Schatz reports that planters and researchers are cautiously optimistic regarding next year’s harvest potential.

STATE FAIR OPTIONS FOR “WHEATIES”– Whether you’re attending the Kansas State Fair or just want to learn more about how wheat can be used in baking, Kansas Wheat has the information you’re looking for. Amelia Schatz explains what’s available at the State Fair for “wheaties” and how others interested in baking with wheat can find that same information.

SECURING QUALITY WHEAT SEED– Wheat farmers typically don’t have a problem finding quality wheat seed. However, following the short harvest, Kansas wheat farmers are finding sourcing specific varieties of certain seed wheat more difficult and costly. Amelia Schatz has more.

VOLUNTEER WHEAT CONTROL– Volunteer wheat is expected to be an issue in the next growing season. As a result, Kansas wheat farmers are reminded to take the necessary steps to control volunteer wheat. Amelia Schatz has more on when and how to control volunteer wheat – which isn’t treatable but is preventable.

HOSTING INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES – As part of a trade team organized by Kansas Wheat and U.S. Wheat Associates, decision-makers from agri-business companies in Nigeria and Kenya visited Kansas in August to learn more about hard red winter wheat and the U.S. grain supply chain. Amelia Schatz has more.

FOCUSING ON SORGHUM AND WHEAT– A recent event for sorghum and wheat growers, covered a wide range of topics, including weed control, fertility, grain storage, sustainability, marketing and drought management. Amelia Schatz has more.

THE COMPLEXITY OF THE WHEAT WORLD– The latest “Wheat’s on your Mind” podcast from Kansas Wheat focuses on understanding the complexity of factors that go into setting the price of wheat. Kansas Wheat CEO Justin Gilpin sat down with Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, to break down the 2023 wheat harvest and provide his perspective on domestic and global trade issues influencing the wheat world. Amelia Schatz has more.

K-STATE WHEAT VARIETY GUIDE 2023– Wheat harvest is still underway in some parts of the state but the time to plant wheat is just around the corner – which means producers are faced with deciding which variety to plant. To aid producers in making that critical decision, Kansas State University recently released the Kansas Wheat Variety Guide 2023. Mary Marsh has more.

HERBICIDE RESISTANCE IN WHEAT– Research from Kansas State University is seeking to help find solutions to add to farmers’ toolboxes as they battle the consistent and growing threat of post-emergent weeds. Mary Marsh has more.

SEEKING ENTERPRISE UNIT SEPARATION– Continuous wheat and fallow wheat are two different crops. As a result, the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers is asking that farmers be allowed to insure the crops separately rather than as blended for crop insurance purposes. Last month, two U.S. Senators introduced legislation that will allow farmers to insure wheat enterprise units by fallow and continuous, while still offering a combined option. Mary Marsh has more.

2023 WHEAT HARVEST CHALLENGES– Kansas Wheat CEO, Justin Gilpin, says the 2023 wheat crop will be remembered for facing challenges from start to finish with the final Kansas total production being the lowest in decades. He adds that the challenges that have been plaguing the wheat crop highlight the need for access to advanced technologies in wheat production and management. Mary Marsh has more on the 2023 Kansas wheat harvest.

COMMODITIES INSTEAD OF CASH– The “American Farmers Feed the World Act of 2023” seeks to ensure that commodities grown in the U.S. remain the cornerstone of international food aid by ending the Food for Peace program’s utilization of cash transfers overseas – along with restoring transparency, accountability and efficiency to the program. The legislation was introduced by three U.S. Representatives, including Tracy Mann of Kansas. Mary Marsh has more.

WHEAT FOODS COUNCIL– With more than two decades of experience traveling the world to promote Kansas wheat, industry leader Ron Suppes, (soop-us) is taking on a similar, but distinctly different challenge – advocating for the role of wheat foods in a healthy diet to trainers, chefs and more as the newly seated chairman of the Wheat Foods Council. Mary Marsh has more.

A PODCAST FOR WHEAT PRODUCERS– Whether you’re on a combine, tractor, driving down the road or just relaxing in the recliner at home, it’s easy to catch up on the latest wheat industry news with the “Wheat’s on Your Mind” podcast from Kansas Wheat. Mary Marsh says nine episodes are currently available and that listeners can tune in wherever they listen to podcasts, including Apple or Spotify or online at: wheatsonyourmind.com.

CUTTING SHORT, THIN WHEAT– As producers prepare to harvest short wheat and thin stands, Kansas State University cropping specialists have detailed their recommendations for adjusting combines and operator control in a recent Agronomy eUpdate. Mary Marsh looks at their specific recommendations for the different types of heads used for harvesting.

THE WINNING RECIPES ARE POSTED – Whether you’re a football fan that likes to tailgate or just enjoy hosting family and friend get-togethers, you’ll want to pin or post this year’s winning recipe for the 2023 National Festival, the nation’s only amateur bread-baking competition. Marsha Boswell has more on this year’s winners and how to find all of the winning recipes.

DAVID RADENBERG MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP– From buying her own market lambs to show at her county 4-H fair to testifying before the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture, Annika Wiebers combines an affinity for agriculture with a mission to bridge the gap between production agriculture and folks like herself who did not grow up on the farm. Combined, these qualities make her an ideal first recipient of the David Radenberg Memorial Scholarship which awards one $1,000 scholarship to a current undergraduate or graduate student from Kansas pursuing a career in the field of agriculture. Mary Marsh has more.

WINTER WHEAT LOOKS ROUGH– The Wheat Quality Council’s 2023 winter wheat tour last week revealed what many suspected, wheat fields across western, central and southern Kansas, and into northern Oklahoma, showed signs of drought stress and abandoned fields. According to Mary Marsh, the three-day average calculated yield for the fields that will be harvested was 30 bushels per acre.

FARM BILL LISTENING TOUR– The current version of the Farm Bill expires on September 30, 2023. In advance of Farm Bill negotiations, listening sessions are being held across the country to gather information on Farm Bill priorities. In early May, U.S. Representative Tracey Mann and U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson were in Kansas to gather input on the future of the Farm Bill. Mary Marsh reports.

WHEAT Rx SCHOOL IN HAYS– Hays is hosting a Wheat Rx school May 25th for wheat farmers looking for ideas for future growing seasons. The Wheat Rx schools are a partnership between the Kansas Wheat Commission and K-State Research and Extension to disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding, high-quality wheat to Kansas wheat farmers. Mary Marsh has more on the upcoming Wheat Rx school.

HOME BAKING ASSOCIATION– The Home Baking Association mission is “growing the practice of home baking” and due to the current economic conditions and other societal changes that could not be more timely. Mary Marsh has more on the Home Baking Association and its connection to families who purchase baking ingredients, retailers and milling companies.

HERB CLUTTER SCHOLARSHIP WINNER– Carissa Sohm is a high school senior who knows her way around the fields in the far southwestern corner of the state. Her work as an agronomist assistant the past two summers for New Millenium Ag LLC made her the ideal recipient for the 2023 Herb Clutter Memorial Scholarship. Sohm plans to attend Kansas State University to major in agronomy with a minor in animal science. Mary Marsh has more.

HARD WINTER WHEAT QUALITY TOUR– The registration date for the annual Hard Winter Wheat Quality Tour is May 1st, but hotel blocks will soon be released. The tour, sponsored by the Wheat Quality Council, brings in participants from around the world who are tied to the wheat industry, but may not have ever been in fields. Marsha Boswell has more on this year’s Hard Winter Wheat Quality Tour.

MONITORING FARM BILL NEGOTIATIONS– Kansas Wheat continues to monitor national Farm Bill negotiations for long-term impacts on wheat growers. In addition to crop insurance and disaster relief programs, which provide assistance in times of need, they monitor other programs, such as the Market Access Program and Foreign Market Development program to ensure farmers continue to have access to market opportunities at home and abroad. Mary Marsh has more.

THE KANSAS WHEAT CONDITION– Growing conditions for Kansas wheat are not good. According to the latest report, only 19% of the wheat crop is in good-to-excellent condition, and 52% is poor-to-very poor. In addition, 77% of the subsoil moisture supplies are rated short to very short. As Mary Marsh reports, Kansas wheat farmers aren’t very optimistic about the wheat crop.

RUSSIA’S IMPACT ON WHEAT MARKETS– More than one year after Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, news from the Black Sea region continues to impact global wheat markets. A recent analysis from U.S. Wheat Associates, the industry’s export market development organization, shows the impact of Russian interventions in the market extends far beyond the current conflict. Marsha Boswell has more.

NATIONAL WHEAT YIELD CONTEST – Sustained drought conditions may be putting a damper on prospects for the 2023 Kansas wheat harvest, but producers who receive timely moisture are encouraged to enter the 2023 National Wheat Yield Contest. The contest is divided into two primary categories: winter wheat and spring wheat, and two subcategories: dryland and irrigated. Marsha Boswell has more on the 2023 National Wheat Yield Contest.

BAKE AND TAKE MONTH – There’s nothing better than getting fresh-baked treats from a neighbor or friend. The long-standing tradition of Bake and Take Month encourages everyone to take out their favorite baked goods recipe, bake it and share it with others. Mary Marsh has more on the history of Bake and Take Month and how you can get involved.

“WHEAT’S ON YOUR MIND” PODCAST– Kansas Wheat is launching a podcast. Hosted by Kansas Wheat vice president of research and operations, Aaron Harries, the bi-weekly “Wheat’s On Your Mind” podcast will focus on wheat research projects, the latest in the domestic and global wheat markets, policy news, wheat crop conditions, management decisions and more. Mary Marsh has more on the launching of the podcast.

MARCH WHEAT Rx SCHOOLS– As part of a partnership between the Kansas Wheat Commission and K-State Research and Extension to disseminate the latest research recommendations for high-yielding and high-quality wheat to Kansas farmers, two wheat Rx Schools are being held March 7th in McPherson and March 8th in Russell. The latest research recommendations for intensive wheat management, the value of wheat as part of crop rotations and cover cropping as well as updates on wheat breeding pipelines will be discussed at each of the events. Mary Marsh has more.

KANSAS WHEAT SCHOLARSHIPS– High school seniors and current Kansas college students have until March 17th to apply for one of two scholarships from Kansas Wheat honoring industry leaders Herb Clutter and David Radenberg. Mary Marsh says the scholarships – each worth $1,000 – continue a proud tradition of supporting the future of the Kansas wheat industry.

IRRIGATED WINTER WHEAT WINNER– When rain is almost always scarce, winter wheat farmers must learn and adapt. That’s exactly what a Sherman County wheat farmer did last year. Mary Marsh says learning to improve yields by optimizing crop rotations, taking advantage of the moisture that did come and supplementing a lack of moisture through irrigation, earned him the top spot in Kansas for irrigated winter wheat in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest.

PROVIDING INPUT ON THE FARM BILL– With negotiations for the next Farm Bill underway, Kansas Wheat, U.S. Wheat Associates and the National Association of Wheat Growers encourage wheat farmers to provide input and to make their priorities known. Wheat farmers participating in KAWG, the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, have a voice that can relay messages and concerns to Congressional offices and the national association. Mary Marsh has more.

WOMEN MANAGING THE FARM– The upcoming Women Managing the Farm Conference will again provide an opportunity for meaningful conversations between women farmers, rural business leader and landowners. As the conference approaches its 20th anniversary, Vice President of Communications at Kansas Wheat and Past-Chair for WMF, Marsha Boswell, says organizers also looking at some-long-term planning to identify what changes would be most beneficial to women farmers and conference attendees. Mary Marsh has more.

A WINNING FORMULA FOR WHEAT– Brothers John and Matt Grabbe put Schoenchen, Kansas, near Hays, on the map by placing second and third in the 2022 National Wheat Yield Contest. John placed second in Kansas in the winter dryland category and Matt took third in the same category. The brothers, who farm as equal partners with their mother, attribute their success this past growing season to the right combination of wheat genetics, farming practices and moisture. Marsha Boswell has more.

WEIGHING IN ON THE FARM BILL– Two upcoming meetings provide Kansas growers an opportunity to listen and interact with policy makers and policy-watchers as they work to address farmers’ needs in the upcoming growing season and Farm Bill negotiations. On January 26th, the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers holds its annual meeting in Manhattan. On January 27th, the 2023 Kansas Commodity Classic – the annual convention of Kansas corn, wheat, soybean, and grain sorghum associations – is being held in Salina. Mary Marsh has more.

NATIONAL FESTIVAL OF BREADS– Amateur bakers across the country are encouraged to enter their favorite yeast bread or roll recipe for the chance to become the Best of Breads Champion in the 2023 National Festival of Breads. Entries for the contest are being accepted through February 13th. Cindy Falk, co-chairperson of the event and nutrition educator for Kansas Wheat, says the virtual contest offers expanded opportunities for competitors and allows those at home to join in celebrating the creativity of America’s home bakers. Mary Marsh has more.