More than 61 percent of wheat growers told Monsanto their primary method for determining seed rates is to use a standard pounds-per-acre approach. Only 14 percent said they plant based on their desired count per acre. These results show that understanding optimal seeding rates is critical. Enter the ConnectIN System. “This shows the tremendous need to get out the message … Read More
Pacific Ag Expands
Pacific Ag, the nation’s largest crop residue supply chain, is expanding with a new field office near Fargo, North Dakota. The area has seen an increased demand for wheat straw reside for use in the diary, beef, mushroom and erosion control industries, so the company has hired local farmers and wheat straw providers, Tom and Stephanie Borgen as managers. They will … Read More
Surprising Crop Report from USDA
The 2016 Prospective Plantings report out today from USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) shows farmers expect to plant more corn and less soybeans this year. U.S. corn growers expect to plant 93.6 million acres to corn this year, the first increase in corn planted acreage since 2012 and, if realized, will be the third largest corn acreage since 1944. … Read More
Wheat Insight System Introduced at #Classic16
Innovation and insight were the topics at the forefront of a press conference held by Monsanto and WestBred Wheat during the 2016 Commodity Classic. The companies announced the introduction of the Wheat Insight System, an innovative way for wheat growers to purchase and plant wheat seed to optimize yield and profit potential. The system calculates how many seeds are in … Read More
Secretary Vilsack Addresses #Classic16
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has appeared at every Commodity Classic since he was confirmed, making this year the seventh time he has addressed corn, soybean, sorghum and wheat farmers. “Farmers are the linchpin of this country. They are the heart and soul,” said Vilsack, who concentrated much of his remarks on the importance of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) for … Read More
Sustainable Practices Targeted in Wheat Yield Contest
For the first time in 20 years the National Wheat Yield Contest is back! Winners in two categories, winter and spring wheat, will be announced at the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Texas in 2017. All state wheat organization grower-members may submit their yields. “We are excited about the benefits this competition will bring to our nation’s wheat growers individually … Read More
Wheat Genome Sequencing Gets Major Boost
The International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium (IWGSC) has announced the production of a whole genome assembly of bread wheat. Based on Illumina short sequence reads assembled with NRGene’s DeNovoMAGICTM software, the project goal was to produce a whole genome assembly of the bread wheat variety Chinese Spring. The most widely grown cereal in the world, IWGSC says the project will … Read More
Wheat Growers’ Innovation Center Opens
Wheat Growers’ has proven its commitment to their farmer-owners with the brand new Innovations Center that opened recently. The opening of the Innovations Center, which showcases the latest in technological advancements impacting wheat growers, was celebrated with a grand opening late last week. The Center is located at Wheat Growers’ Bath facility. “We’re very excited about what this facility allows … Read More
USDA Announces $3.4 Million for Wheat Research
A new International Wheat Yield Partnership program means the USDA will be making $3.4 million available for research projects. The purpose of the program is to enhance research that could be of benefit to enhancing the genetic component of wheat. It will focus on breakthroughs for breeding with new technologies that lead to yield increases and adaptability. Awards are made through … Read More
Wheat Improvement Panel at #ASTACSS
During the ASTA CSS & Seed Expo this week, attendees were invited to a panel titled, “Value Chain Engagement in Wheat Improvement” that brought together representatives from across the wheat value chain to discuss needed innovation in the wheat industry. Justin Gilpin, CEO of the Kansas Wheat Commission, focused on the benefit of public/private partnerships as well as work the … Read More