By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Wheat Leadership Program, held on March 5 and 6, 2025, offered participants a detailed look into the wheat industry, covering the journey from seed development to the final product. Hosted at the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center in Manhattan, the event was sponsored by the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, making it accessible to all attendees at no cost.
Shayna DeGroot, the Kansas Wheat director of membership and government affairs, emphasized the program's goal to educate participants about the entire wheat value chain, beyond just seed purchase and grain sales. Attendees included young farmers, agribusiness professionals, and even a farm wife who blogs on social media, highlighting the diverse interest in wheat production processes.
The program kicked off with a "Wheat 101" presentation by Aaron Harries, Vice President of Research and Operations at Kansas Wheat. This was followed by a tour of the Innovation Center and a hands-on demonstration by Asif Mohammad, Chief Scientist at Heartland Plant Innovations, focusing on the process of wheat emasculation—a crucial step in developing new wheat varieties through double haploids.
Further insights were provided by K-State wheat breeder Allan Fritz and Romulo Lollato, who delved into the specifics of wheat breeding and the factors determining yield and protein content in wheat crops. Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat, and Marsha Boswell, Vice President of Communications, discussed global wheat market trends and the importance of farmer storytelling through platforms like EatWheat.org.
The second day of the program concentrated on wheat milling, featuring a presentation and mill tour led by Shawn Thiele from the International Grains Program Institute. The comprehensive discussions and tours over the two days left attendees with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the wheat industry's complexity and the technological advancements supporting it.
Shayna DeGroot remarked on the program's impact, noting one attendee's surprise at the breadth of support and advancement in the industry aimed at enhancing wheat production technology. For those interested in future programs or staying informed about developments in the Kansas wheat industry, further information is available through the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers.
Photo Credits:istock-zhaojiankang
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat