Rediscover Wheat - April 2016

TM

The official publication of the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers

APRIL 2016

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Times Changing for U.S. Wheat Exports Try, Try and Try Again: Seeking a source of resistance to TriMV Air Force One Lands in Cuba

Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2016 1

In This Issue :

TM

Volume 3 • Number 4 www.rediscoverwheat.org The official publication of

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1990 Kimball Avenue Manhattan, Kansas 66502 (785) 539-0255

KAWG MEMBERSHIP $100 per year

EDITOR

Marsha Boswell • mboswell@kswheat.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR/DESIGNER

Audrey Schmitz • commintern@kswheat.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Julia Debes • juliadebes@gmail.com Jordan Hildebrand • jhildebrand@kswheat.com

CEO

Justin Gilpin • jgilpin@kswheat.com

KAWG OFFICERS

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PRESIDENT Michael Jordan • Beloit

VICE PRESIDENT Kenneth Wood • Chapman

SECRETARY/TREASURER Justin Knopf • Salina

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Gary Millershaski • Lakin

KWC OFFICERS

CHAIRMAN Jay Armstrong • Muscotah VICE CHAIRMAN Brian Linin • Goodland SECRETARY/TREASURER Mike McClellan • Plainville IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN Scott Van Allen • Clearwater

Rediscover Wheat is published by the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers (KAWG) and the Kansas Wheat Commission (KWC), 1990 Kimball Avenue, Manhattan, Kansas 66502, twelve times per year.

Contents of this publication may not be reprinted without permission.

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Times changing for U.S. wheat exports Try, Try and Try Again: Seeking a source of resistance to Tri MV Recipe: Tomato, Basil, and Garlic Filled Pane Bianco Wheat Foods Council Air Force One Lands in Cuba Recipe: Quick Soft Pretzels IGP Stakeholder's news brief Bookmark Art & Teacher of the Year Celebration held at Capitol Kansas Ag Month Kicks Off With Statewide Food Drive Campaign

16 News from the National Association of Wheat Growers 24 News from U.S. Wheat Associates 35 Maltby Market Analysis 40 Upcoming Events

Times changing for U.S. wheat exports W

hen farmers spot wheat prices at their local coop, it’s hard not to have a bleak outlook for the rest of the day.

While you’re producing the wheat that feeds the world, it’s easy to forget that international markets are constantly changing. Take Nigeria for example. It’s Africa’s largest economy and an important U.S. wheat customer, purchasing upwards of 90 million bushels annually in the past several years.

Peter Lloyd, Regional Technical Director at U.S. Wheat Associates said, “Nigeria, as we know, is one of the U.S.’ most loyal customers, and has been routinely for the last 15 years. But, times are changing. It’s not through any dissatisfaction with what they get from Kansas or the quality of the wheat, it’s just simply that the market is in a price constraint where the majority of millers are not being rewarded for high quality.”

While the American economy is gaining strength, so is the U.S. Dollar, but across the world currencies, like the Russian Ruble, are very weak. This allows Russia to sell wheat much, much cheaper as returns to their growers, in their currencies, still look good.

While this news may sound dismal, there is some hope to reclaim some market share in countries like Nigeria.

“How do we recover some of this market? Some of it, I’m sorry to say, we won’t be able to recover, unless we have white wheat," said Lloyd. "All of the large Nigerian flouring milling companies would like to double or triple or quadruple the amount of hard white wheat that they are able to buy. We are at a disadvantage because of logistics.

We have growers who are happy to grow white wheat, and we have customers in Nigeria and all other parts of the world who would love to buy it, but getting it from the farm to the customer is the issue.

We must leverage all of the many years of varietal development, grading and inspection and good farming practices for our growers to make the best profit that we can in the international marketplace. I believe the best route for that is hard white.”

Kansas farmers aren’t the only suppliers that see value in Nigeria.

Argentina, Canada, Australia, the EU, as well as the emergence of non-traditional suppliers like Russia, Brazil and more, all have their eyes set on the Sub-Saharan region. We have lost the hard white wheat business because we do not produce it in sufficient quantities. We specifically lost that business to Australia, who produces only white wheat. They not only displaced our small hard white wheat sales, but also a much bigger piece of our hard red winter sales.

“Bottom line to the U.S. growers here in Kansas: that was 480,000 tons of wheat that has gone to Australian farmers and not U.S. farmers," said Lloyd. "I think that we must have the facilities inside the U.S. system to address this problem, to make white wheat available to more customers overseas, because that is what they want.”

Looking for new ways to make Kansas wheat an irreplaceable item on international shelves is no small task, but Lloyd and the rest of the U.S. Wheat Associates team are more than up for the job.

“In Kansas you have some of the best farmers in the world producing some of the best wheat in the world. The secret is to develop niche markets for end products that are fitting exactly the bill for what is required," said Lloyd. "Niche markets are the king. I think the more we can make wheat coming out of Kansas, be it red wheat or white wheat, irreplaceable in a particular end product, the more profit for the grower and the more profit there is for the manufacturer in the other part of the world that is buying the wheat.”

Niche markets don’t necessarily mean “small.” In terms of a 160 million metric ton world trade environment, if we can sell one million metric tons into a ‘niche’ market, that is a big deal for Kansas farmers.

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Try, Try and Try Aga

By Julia Debes

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ometimes the lack of an answer is an answer in and of itself. Take resistance to wheat Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) for example. Researchers have not yet found a source of resistance to the virus in conventional wheat lines, thus identifying the need for an expanded search for key genetic protection.

Armed with funding from the Kansas Wheat Alliance, Dr. Guorong Zhang, Kansas State University wheat breeder, and his team at the K-State Agricultural Research Center at Hays are behind this search for resistance to TriMV, the second most common mosaic virus in western Kansas behind wheat streak mosaic virus.

"There are no effective chemicals for controlling TriMV," Zhang's research proposal stated. "Host resistance is a primary and effective way to control TriMV." Why TriMV? TriMV was first discovered in Kansas wheat fields in 2006. But, the virus is now widely distributed throughout the Central Plains, including Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, South Dakota and Wyoming.

According to Zhang's research proposal, roughly 30 percent of wheat samples with virus-like symptoms tested positive for TriMV in 2008 and 2011.

TriMV currently occurs primarily as a double infection with wheat streak mosaic virus, primarily because both diseases are carried by the same vector - the wheat curl mite. Zhang said both viruses show similar symptoms, so a time-consuming ELIA (Enzyme Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay) test is needed to 44

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ain: Seeking a source of resistance to TriMV identify which virus, or both, has infected the plant. A 2011 study reported that the double infection of TriMV and wheat streak mosaic virus could cause up to 90 percent yield loss.

"All our breeding lines tested with TriMV showed susceptibility," Zhang's research proposal stated.

"Therefore, it is imperative to discover resistant sources in conventional wheat."

Finding the genetic guard against this virus is important because no chemical applications can control it. Furthermore, if wheat breeders like Zhang are successful in efforts to ward off wheat streak mosaic virus, TriMV may become an even bigger problem - like a secondary villain taking over for the Joker in a Batman movie.

Zhang and his team will continue testing for a source of TriMV resistance in existing wheat germplasm and is expanding the search into germplasm from wild wheat relatives. With research projects like this, the Kansas Wheat Alliance is helping develop protection for Kansas wheat fields, even if the answers are not easy to find.

"We are trying to prepare for the future," Zhang said. "We cannot tackle the problem only when it emerges."

Expanding the Search Zhang and his team initially tested 3,559 accessions from wheat germplasm lines around the world for TriMV resistance.

When none was found, the team upped the number to more than 6,700 germplasm lines. Each line tested, even those with early promise, eventually failed to resist TriMV. "You cannot always succeed," Zhang said.

Now, Zhang and his team are now testing an additional 3,200 lines, primarily from Iran, to search for this virus resistance.

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Tomato, Basil, and Garlic Filled Pane Bianco Ingredients

½ cup warm water (100° - 110°F) ¼ cup granulated sugar 4 teaspoons Active Dry Yeast 1 cup warm low-fat milk (100°-110°F) 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons salt 5 – 5 ½ cups King Arthur Unbleached Bread Flour 1 (8.5-ounce) jar oil-packed sundried tomatoes, well-drained ¾ teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder 1 ½ cups shredded Italian blended cheese, divided 2/3 cup chopped fresh basil

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Nutrition Information

Prep Time: 4 hours Bake Time: 35 to 40 minutes Yield: 2 loaves, 20 slices each One slice provides approximately 106 calories; 4 g protein; 14 g carbohydrate; 1 g dietary fiber; 4 g fat (1 g saturated); 14 mg cholesterol; 31 mcg folate; 1 mg iron and 175 mg sodium.

Directions

1. In a small bowl, add warm water, sugar, and yeast. Stir and let sit 10 minutes. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add milk, oil, yeast mixture, eggs, and salt. Mix until well combined, about 2 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, thoroughly drain sun dried tomatoes; lay on paper towel to absorb moisture. Using kitchen shears, finely chop tomatoes. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.

roll, about 1-inch deep to within ½-inch of the ends. Keeping cutside up, form an “S” shape. Tuck both ends under center of “S” to form a “figure eight”; pinch ends to seal.

2. Stir in enough of the flour to make a soft dough. Knead on a lightly floured surface or with a dough hook 6 to 8 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place dough in a greased bowl, turn to grease top. Cover, let rise in a warm place until double, about 45 minutes.

4. Punch down dough, divide in half. Roll one piece into a 22 x 8½ -inch rectangle. Sprinkle on half of the garlic, cheese, basil, and tomatoes. Starting with 22-inch side, roll up (jelly-roll fashion) tightly. Pinch edges to seal. Place roll seam-side-down on baking sheet. With scissors, cut lengthwise down center of

5. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double, 45 to 60 minutes.

Repeat with the remaining dough.

Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2016

6. Bake the first loaf in a preheated 350°F oven 35 to 40 minutes. Tent loaf with foil after 15 to 20 minutes to prevent overbrowning. Bake remaining loaf.

Wheat Foods Council rolls out new strategic plan

By Jordan Hildebrand

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heat has become an easy punching bag for fad diets and those who profit from them. This practice won’t last long if the Wheat Foods Council (WFC) has its way. The WFC has adopted a strategic plan to help inform consumers about the merits of wheat foods by influencing the influencers and telling the story of wheat.

Tim O’Connor, WFC president, said that the main initiatives the new plan focuses on are building relationships with dieticians and personal trainers, as well as improving the images of enriched wheat products and modern breeding and farming practices.

O’Connor pointed out that WFC has been building a relationship with dieticians for years, and now that the relationship with that profession is firmly established, the next step is to reach out to personal trainers.

“Wheat Foods Council had really built a communication pathway with registered dieticians that we could harvest. We didn’t need to keep building it, it was already there,” said O’Connor. “We were an inch wide and a mile deep on our positioning.

Now we can start to shift our focus onto personal trainers, another key group in that arena.”

While some may be initially hesitant to ask for dietary

advice from trainers, men and women in the profession report fielding more nutrition related questions than ever before. This is an opportunity for the wheat industry to reach out to trainers and share the merits that wheat can have in an active lifestyle.

“We heard from the industry about working in the enriched wheat and the modern wheat breeding spaces,” said O’Connor.

“Those were industry voices telling us, ‘These are our problems that if you could move the needle on, it would really help us.’”

“When we are able to get more of them to understand that fad diets are just fads, and that there are very successful athletes who don’t use those diets, we’ll be able to demonstrate the success of those athletes with the backing of science,” said O’Connor.

Efforts have already been poured into improving the image of modern wheat with WFC’s new video series “Talking Wheat.” Topics of the five-part series include farming practices, sustainability and facts about gluten-free diets.

Steps to reach out to personal trainers include attending two industry conferences within the next two months, a micro-site specifically geared toward trainers, developing a continuing education module and recruiting a small advisory board comprised of reputable figures in the exercise world.

While Kansas farmers are busy discussing the crop conditions and wondering if the rain will ever come back, there are people who have never been to a farm or even seen a real wheat field that are trying to wade through the murky waters of dietary advice. WFC’s goal is to help wheat remain a player in the nutrition game.

“We’re looking at the top people in the exercise research field who also agree with our message,” reported O’Connor. “We’re aiming for the people whose presentations and research are consistently geared toward clear science and nutrition.”

While it’s exciting to help wheat have a voice in the gym, it’s also important for wheat to have a seat at consumers’ tables.

“If you’re not investing in the domestic marketplace, which is a very mature and competitive marketplace, others with opposing messages are,” said O’Connor.

“The wheat industry can be pushed backward if we don’t have a voice where others do.”

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Member Update for March 2016 President's Update

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’m thrilled to announce we have secured our first Personal Trainer Advisory Board member; Nancy Clark, MS, RD. Nancy is an internationally know sports nutritionist and bestselling author trusted by many top athletes. Her sports nutrition reference book, Nancy Clark’s Sports Nutrition Guidebook, is in its 5th edition. Among her more renowned clients, who have relied on her expertise in diet for sports conditioning to gain a competitive edge, include members of the Boston Celtics (basketball) and Bruins (ice hockey), as well as many collegiate, elite and Olympic athletes from a variety of sports.

She is the team nutritionist for the Boston Red Sox baseball team.

Nancy is a valuable addition to the WFC team! We look forward to working closely with her to establish our Personal Trainer education programs. I will be introducing Nancy as the newest member of our advisory team to our influencer network in our next issue of Kernels.

Our team attended the American College of Sports Medicine and got our first look at a meeting in the personal trainer world. They observed, talked with a lot of people, attended sessions

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and learned a lot that will help us develop our personal trainer strategy. We will also be attending another personal trainer conference in July to expand our learning.

I have done radio interviews recently about our new strategies with stations from Kansas, Nebraska and South Dakota and an in-depth interview with the Kansas Wheat Commission that became an article in their magazine. Please contact me if I can assist with any interviews or articles and advance the awareness of WFC and our work to the industry.

We will be exhibiting at the International Baking Industry Exposition (IBIE) October 8-11 in Las Vegas to expand our outreach and communications in the baking industry. If you are attending the show please stop by our booth #769.

We will begin planning for our next fiscal year programs in the near future. I’m excited about how the work to jump start our new strategies is taking shape and look forward to working with the Program Committee to bring a great program proposal to the board in June for FY16-17.

—

Tim

Summer Board Meeting Downtown Denver!

Located in the Tabor Center, our four-diamond hotel is near the famous 16th Street Mall and Larimer Square, Colorado's leading tourist destination.

Features an indoor/outdoor pool and sundeck, and a fitness center with a half basketball court.

You’ll find yourself within walking distance or a short drive to cultural activities, convention venues and performing arts centers including the Colorado Convention Center, the Denver Art Museum, the Denver Center for Performing Arts, Buell Theater, and the Children's Museum of Denver. The Westin Denver Downtown is just steps from all of the major Denver sporting venues including Sports Authority Field at Mile High and offers exciting sports packages.

Board Meeting Dates and Times Finalized June 2016 06/20 - 3pm - 6pm; Executive Committee Mtg. followed by dinner for WFC staff and E.C. (invitation only), spouses invited 06/21 - Educational Tours; Ardent Mills mill; Ardent Mills bakiing and testing facility; CSU's Wheat breeding educational session (Times and transportation

are still in the planning stages.)

Generating the Buzz

06/22 - 8am - 3pm; Board meeting

The Wheat Foods Council sent a team to the “Big Apple” last month, talking about the strong connection between gut health and whole and enriched wheat foods. Our featured expert was Corrie Whisner, PhD, Assistant Professor of Nutrition in the School of Nutrition and Health Promotion at Arizona State University (ASU).

Our room block is now open!

Make your reservations BEFORE 5 PM Mountain Time on May 20, 2016to receive our excellent group rate of $204/night plus taxes (The sooner you make your reservation the better to assure you'll have a spot within our block. This hotel will likely be sold out for these dates so once our guaranteed number of rooms are gone they're gone.)

Westin Central Reservations: 1-888-627-8435 Ask for the Denver Downtown location Give them your check-in and check-out dates Mention Group ID #21601; Wheat Foods Board Meeting (in order to secure our group rate.)

Subscribe to "Kernels" WFC's Quarterly E-Magazine Visit http://www.wheatfoods. org/subscribe

Over two and a half days, Dr. Whisner met with the following publications/food writers/ bloggers, to explain the beneficial effects eating a diet rich in whole and enriched wheat foods has on the microbiome, as well as why a gluten-free diet may have negative effects on the gut bacteria of healthy individuals: • Family Circle magazine • Good Housekeeping magazine • Freelancer Michele Bender, writer for Yahoo.com and other consumer outlets • Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN, personal blog, writes for Livestrong.com and Rachael Ray magazine, was a 2014 Wheat Safari attendee

• Bonnie Taub-Dix, RD, personal blog; US News & World Report online and other outlets • Keri Gans, RD, writes for many outlets; frequent spokesperson • Elisa Zied, RD, personal blog and writer/ TV spokesperson for many outlets Others expressing an interest in our information but unable to meet with Dr. Whisner included the Today show, Shape magazine, and HealthNewsDigest.com blog. We will continue to follow up with these outlets to try to arrange phone interviews with Dr. Whisner.

We will also email her presentation to others we initially pitched including: Health, First for Women, Better Homes Gardens, Woman’s Day, Redbook.com, New York Times.com, Self.com, Weight Watchers.com, Sirius Radio, Wall Street Journal, Parents, Women’s World, About.com, MSNBC.com, and EverydayHealth.com.

Social Media Update Facebook.com/wheatfoods

Twitter.com/wheatfoods

• 36 Posts 519 Likes 140 Shares

• 35 posts 18 Retweets 18 Favorites 7 Mentions

• Seen by 23,566 people

• Monthly growth from 1992-2005

• Reached (including shares) 61,385

• 12 month growth of 17.6%

• Monthly growth from 1712-1780 • 12 month growth of 65.0%

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Air Force One Lands in Cuba

By Ben Conner, U.S. Wheat Associates Deputy Director of Policy

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efore March, Air Force One had never been to Cuba.

As the call sign for planes used to transport the President of the United States, Air Force Ones have landed in more than 100 countries, but not once in Cuba until this past March 20. That day marked the start of the first trip by a sitting U.S. president to Cuba since 1928.

President Obama spent three days in Cuba, along with a large delegation of government officials and industry representatives. Most importantly for agriculture, several representatives of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) made the trip at the invitation of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Representing wheat farmers was Doug Keesling, a Kansas Wheat Commissioner from Chase, Kansas.

“We need to put politics aside. It is time for the people of Cuba and the United States to finally be able to meet each other face-to-face,” said Keesling. “Whether we are looking to make deals on wheat shipments or just enjoy each other’s company over mojitos and cigars, we are tired of dealing with these

restrictions. It’s time to move on to the next chapter in U.S.-Cuban relations and end the embargo.”

It was an eventful few days for the USACC members, who met with counterparts in Cuban agriculture and participated in events with agriculture leaders from both U.S. and Cuban governments. USACC acted as ambassadors for U.S. agriculture in a country where there has been far too little exposure in decades, even handing out Cuban and American flag lapel pins on the streets.

A lot has happened in the nearly 90 years since a U.S. President last visited Cuba. Most significantly, for U.S.-Cuban relations, revolutionary armed forces led

by Fidel Castro deposed the U.S.backed government in Havana in 1959. Very few U.S. citizens have ever approved of the revolutionary government in Havana or supported its efforts to spread Marxist ideology beyond its shores.

Since the end of the Cold War, pronounced ideological differences have persisted, though ideological conflict has largely subsided.

According to public opinion polls, most Americans support repealing the laws collectively known as the Cuba Embargo.

Generally, supporters of repeal believe it would be better for both the Cuban and American people if the two countries can trade and interact freely, or at least without obstacles imposed by the United States. Along with President Obama, many Members of Congress – both Republicans and Democrats – support engagement instead of sanctions. Several from both parties accompanied the President in Cuba, along with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and other Cabinet members.

Cuba is the largest wheat market in the Caribbean, but U.S. exports have dried up completely since 2011. The single largest obstacle preventing the resumption of wheat exports to Cuba is codified in U.S. law and will take an act of Congress to repeal. The embargo must end and the wheat industry will continue advocating for that action.

Kansas Wheat Commissioner (third from the right) Doug Keesling was in Cuba in March as part of President Obama’s historic trip to further normalize relations between the two countries. Pictured are (left-right) Devry Boughner (USACC co-chair), Paul Johnson (USACC co-chair) U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp (ND), U.S. Representative Tom Emmer (MN), U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), Keesling, Mark Albertson (USACC member), and Chris Rosander (USACC member).

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Quick Soft Pretzels Celebrate National Soft Pretzel Month in April

Ingredients 1 ½ cups lukewarm water (110115°F) 2 packages RED STAR® Active Dry Yeast ¼ cup granulated sugar 1 ¾ teaspoons salt ½ cup vegetable oil 5 - 5 ¼ cups all-purpose or bread flour 1 egg white 1 tablespoon cold water Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

Directions 1. Measure water into large bowl. Sprinkle in yeast; stir until dissolved. Add sugar, salt, oil, and 4 cups flour; beat until smooth. Gradually add enough remaining flour to make a soft dough.

2. Knead dough 8 to 10 minutes. Cover dough; let rest 30 minutes. Divide dough into 24 pieces; cover, let rest 5 minutes. Roll each into a uniform 18-inch rope. Shape into a pretzel by making a circle, bringing the ends

together, twisting once and then pressing ends onto the bottom curve of the circle.

3. Place on greased or parchment-lined baking sheets. Beat together egg white and cold water; brush pretzels with mixture. If desired, sprinkle on seeds.

Nutrition Information

Makes 24 pretzels.

Nutrition information per serving (one pretzel): 146 cal, 5 g fat, 0 mg chol, 176 mg sodium, 22 g carbo, 1 g fiber, 3 g pro, 54 mcg folate.

4. Bake in preheated 425°F oven 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden. Remove pretzels from baking sheets; cool on wire rack.

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March 2016

STAKEHOLDER NEWS BRIEF Moving the Mission March was a productive month for IGP Institute outreach. Kicking off the month was the Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kelly Hannigan and I represented the IGP Institute at the nation’s largest farmer-led and farmer-focused convention Carlos and trade show. I also traveled to Ghana as Campabadal part of my work on the AMPLIFIES project conducted in partnership with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and other U.S. universities. To learn more about that trip, see the article on the back page of this news brief.

Meanwhile Jay O’Neil spent the month of March traveling with USSEC to customers’ meetings and speaking at events in Phuket Thailand, Izmir and Istanbul Turkey, Manila Philippines and Shanghai China. Jay addressed topics ranging from global ocean freight markets to the U.S. and world soybean supply outlook.

Overseas buyers of U.S. soy and feed grains were particularly concerned about commodity prices being below farmers’ cost of production and they wanted to know how this would impact plantings and new crop production. Jay was able to reassure them that planting intentions were good and that U.S. producers would have ample supplies to meet their needs.

While in China, Jay was involved in discussions with Chinese buyers and government officials regarding the changes in Chinese domestic price support programs for corn.

Also, the distance curriculum had an impressive offering of five courses and 104 course participants. One of our courses was part of the Spanish distance education efforts with Spanish speaking participants from Colombia, Mexico and the U.S. There is exciting work happening at the IGP Institute. Continue reading to learn more about the activities taking place at IGP and around the world by our team.

Carlos Campabadal Feed Manufacturing and Grain Quality Management Curriculum Manager

Trainings and Activities

• ADM Mill Manager

Courses and activities held in March.

• Buhler Expert Milling

• Participant in the Buhler Expert Milling Course.

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We were pleased to offer one on-site course this month.

The Buhler-KSU Expert Milling training was presented to five participants from three different countries.

In the Spotlight • Resident of Salina, Kansas.

Brant Bower

The IGP Institute continued to expand its expertise in the pet food world by participating in the Pet Food Forum Asia in Bangkok. K-State and the Kansas Department of Agriculture personnel joined efforts at the biggest pet food show in Southeast Asia. Our participation helped feed ingredient and equipment manufacturing companies from Kansas to look for opportunities to continue to grow their businesses in the expanding pet food market. Our goal was to educate the public on the best techniques and ingredients to produce high quality pet food.

“I’ve learned much more about the milling equipment. I became even more familiar with the formulas and calculations behind the milling process.”

Rediscover WH E AT | APRIL 2016 1980 Kimball Avenue, 102 IGP Institute Conference Center | Manhattan, KS

• GEAPS 501 – Management Basics for Grain Facility Supervisors • GEAPS 540 – Entry Level Safety • GEAPS 544 – Preventing Grain Dust Explosions • GEAPS 551 – Materials and Handling II • GEAPS 520 – Grain Quality Management in Spanish

66506–7000 | Tel. 785-532-4070 | Fax 785-532-6080 | www.grains.k-state.edu/igp | igp@ksu.edu

Instructors and participants in the Buhler–KSU Expert Milling (English) training pose for a group picture during their visit March 7–11, 2016.

Where in the World A monthly look at where we’ve been as we make our way around the globe promoting U.S. commodities and IGP Institute training opportunities.

• Attended GEAPS/KSU/IAOM Strategic Meeting at K-State Olathe.

• Attended and spoke at the annual USSEC S.E. Asia Global Soy Transportation Outlook Conference in Phuket, Thailand.

• Spoke at the USSEC Soy Customer Market Workshop in Manila, Philippines.

• Spoke at the USSEC Risk Management Workshops in Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey.

• Spoke at the annual JCI Market Conference in Shanghai, China.

• Attended the NC-213 meeting in Austin, Texas.

• Attended the Commodity Classic in New Orleans, Louisiana.

• Traveled to Ghana for work with the AMPLIFIES project.

• Attended the VICTAM 2016 and Pet Food Forum in Bangkok, Thailand.

Rave Reviews “The IGP training has helped me learn key technical capabilities.”

– Reynaldo Erap, Pilmico Foods Corporation, Expert Milling participant “I have been a part of many good conversations and have learned more in depth about the milling equipment.”

Global Outreach

by Carlos Campabadal Following our goal to collaborate in the support and development of international markets for U.S. grain and oilseeds, the IGP Institute continues to work and expand in the AMPLIFIES project in partnership with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH) and other U.S. universities.

This project is focused on the re-developing of the poultry industry in Ghana with the goal of providing the local population with cheaper food protein sources (egg and chicken) and developing a market for U.S. soybeans and soybean meal as the main protein source in the feed manufacturing. Our team of experts are working on three main areas: improvement of their feed manufacturing processes, development of improved poultry nutrition techniques, and reducing the post-harvest losses of maize (used as feed ingredient) from smallholder farmers that are part of the poultry production value chain.

We believe that this USDA funded four-year project will help the Ghanaian feed and poultry industry grow and improve their food safety parameters by providing the industry with better equipped grain and feed quality analysis laboratories and better production techniques.

This project combines the international development strength of Kansas State University with the international outreach of the IGP Institute. The current progress shows that in this month, we have obtained valuable information on how the poultry and feed industry works in Ghana and also on the current post-harvest situation of the smallholder farmers that sell their maize to the feed processors. This partnership with WISHH and other partners is the ideal team to successfully deliver the objectives of this project.

– Brant Bower, Elevator Manager, Expert Milling participant

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Bookmark Art & Teacher of the Year Celebration held at Capitol

ne of KFAC's most enjoyable and memorable projects each year is the annual art contest for Kansas elementary age youth. KFAC recently recognized the 2016 winners in a celebration at the state capitol on March 8th. Eight Kansas students in grades K-6 were honored with framed copies of their bookmarks, as well as a cash prize sponsored by the Kansas State University College of Agriculture. This year's art contest theme was Pollinators Put Food on the Table.

Journal and AG am in Kansas.

Amanda Rensink and Audra McCurdy, Tescott Grade School and Williamsburg Elementary School, respectively, were recognized as the Excellence in Teaching award winners.

During the celebration, students and teachers, along with their families, had the opportunity to have their photo taken with

In addition to recognizing students, KFAC also recognized the 2016 winning teachers on capitol steps2016 Teacher of the Year and KFB Foundation for Agriculture Excellence in Teaching award winners. Ray Huff of Service Valley Charter Academy in Oswego, Kan., was honored as the Janet Sims Memorial Teacher of the Year. He was presented a certificate from the award sponsors - High Plains Grand Prize Winner: Michaela Crow - Pottawatomie County

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Governor Brownback and their local legislators. The celebration concluded with pollinator-shaped cookies and treats.

To view more photos and the winning bookmarks, visit the KFAC Facebook page or the KFAC website.

2016 winners on capitol steps

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Kansas Ag Month Kicks Off With Statewide Food Drive Campaign

he Neighbor to Neighbor statewide food drive kicked off Kansas Agriculture Month on March 2 in support of our neighbors in need and to reduce hunger in Kansas communities.

Harvesters–The Community Food Bank in Topeka, Kan., hosted state leaders, including Governor Sam Brownback, representatives of the food banks of Kansas, Dillons Food Stores employees and members of the Kansas agriculture community.

The food drive is a collaborative effort by the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Dillons Food Stores, Harvesters–The Community Food Network, Kansas Food Bank, Second Harvest Community Food Bank and the Kansas agriculture community. The goal is to raise 75,000 meals for Kansas families during the food drive throughout

the month of March. Kansans can contribute to the campaign at Dillons Food Stores statewide, at other community locations across the state or through the virtual donation portal, http://ksn2n. harvestersvfd.org.

Governor Brownback signed a proclamation declaring March as Kansas Agriculture Month and March 15 as Kansas Agriculture Day. He also stressed the importance of serving our neighbors in need as well as educating all Kansans about how the food they eat transitions from farm to fork.

“Kansans have always pitched in to help their neighbors,” said the Governor. “This is a strong partnership built on our heritage of helping our fellow Kansans and supporting our local communities.”

Governor Brownback recognized the value of agriculture to the state of Kansas and thanked the food banks for their service to our state.

Staff from the three food banks, representatives from Dillons Food Stores, Kansas FFA officers and representatives from the Kansas Department of Agriculture and other state agencies and agriculture organizations then joined together to pack boxes of food to be distributed to Kansans in need.

“At Dillons, our number one community priority is to help bring food and hope to those living with less,” said Sheila Lowrie, Dillons Stores spokeswoman. “That’s what makes the Neighbor to Neighbor Kansas Food Campaign especially meaningful for us. We are proud to continue this commitment with the wonderful support of our local food banks and the generosity of our Dillons customers and associates throughout our stores in Kansas.”

Dillons Food Stores made an initial donation of 6,500 pounds of non-perishable food items at the kickoff event.

To learn more about the Neighbor to Neighbor statewide food drive and ways to participate in Kansas Agriculture Month, visit www.agriculture.ks.gov/ksagday.

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News from : NAWG Weekly Updates March 10, 2016 Vilsack Testifies Before Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee As part of the FY 2017 appropriations process, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack testified before the Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee to discuss the Administration’s budget request, including the funding levels for agricultural research. Additionally, members discussed biotech labeling, the use and accuracy of National Agricultural Statistics Services data for purposes of determining Title 1 payment rates, rural broadband, and the funding requirements for placing Foreign Agriculture Service employees at the embassy in Cuba. Secretary Vilsack was questioned about the Administration’s proposed $18 billion cut to the crop insurance program. Specifically, the budget request would lower the premium assistance for crop insurance policies that RediscoverWH WH E AT| APRIL | APRIL 2016 1616Rediscover E AT 2016

include the Harvest Price Option (HPO) and it would cut policies covering prevented planting.

Secretary Vilsack defended the proposal by saying the view of the Administration is that the HPO policy should be split more evenly between the farmer and the federal government, and he cited a USDA Office of Inspector General report that was critical of the administration of the prevent plant program. NAWG opposes these cuts to the crop insurance program.

Senate Environment Committee Holds Hearing on EPA Regulation The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on “Cooperative Federalism” with witnesses from state governments in South Dakota, Arkansas, West Virginia, Vermont and Delaware. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administers environmental laws through a process of cooperative federalism working with state agencies to implement and enforce many regulatory

requirements. Chairman James Inhofe (R-OK) expressed concerns about the Administration’s plethora of new regulations and an agenda that “runs over states by imposing an increasing number of federal regulatory actions on states while requesting less funds to help states carry out these actions.”

NAWG Awards Ambassador Vetter with President’s Award At the Commodity Classic, Immediate Past NAWG President Brett Blankenship awarded Darci Vetter, the Chief Agriculture Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, with NAWG’s President’s Award. This is the first time the President’s Award has been given, and it is designed to highlight individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of the agriculture industry. It is given to someone who expresses a passion for the wheat industry, based on the individual’s demonstration of commitment to the welfare and goals of America’s wheat farmers.

National Wheat Improvement Committee DC Fly-In Scheduled The National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C. This event coincides with National Ag Day, March 15.

The committee is made up of 24 members, most of whom are wheat breeders and stakeholders.

Twenty-three of the members will be present, including Dr. Paul Murphy, Chairman from North Carolina State University and Vice Chair Robert Zemetra, a wheat breeder from Oregon State University. The committee seeks to create awareness for continued public funding of wheat testing services. The committee will emphasize the importance to continue funding the Wheat and Barley SCAB Initiative and United States Department of Agriculture-Agriculture Research Service (USDA-ARS) wheat quality labs, which support the U.S. wheat breeding community.

The government provided services are necessary to provide high quality wheat to U.S. consumers and export customers.

NAWG holds committee meetings at Commodity Classic Research and Technology Committee NAWG’s Research and Technology Committee discussed details of the request by Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to provide input on the regulatory alternatives the agency is considering for biotechnology and the issues to be evaluated in USDA’s Environmental Impact Statement pertaining to the alternatives

considered by the USDA. NAWG is preparing its comments to the USDA APHIS to meet the period deadline of April 21.

The Committee renewed its support of the ‘Principles for Collaboration in Wheat Breeding and Biotechnology’ and will continue to urge the biotechnology providers to use the quality targets developed

by U.S. Wheat’s Wheat Quality Committee as the standard for the commercialization of non-biotech and biotech wheat varieties.

Highlighting new resolutions, NAWG will support federal funding of biotechnology research and science-based education for farmers, researchers, and consumers, as well as the voluntary food labeling of biotechnology using QR code (Smart Label) or website or phone numbers that will provide consumers with information of products containing biotechnology and to encourage education of biotechnology to consumers.

Environmental and Renewable Resources Committee NAWG’s Environment and Renewable Resources Committee reviewed policy resolutions and addressed current issues. The Committee heard from guest speakers Bill Buckner and Wayne Honeycutt from the Soil Health Institute and Jennifer Shaw from Syngenta. The Committee also took action on policy issues including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations on Anhydrous Ammonia facilities, future availability of treated seeds, and EPA’s pesticide certification requirements and worker protection standards.

Operations & Planning Committee Several reports and updates were provided the committee members including a review of current NAWG and National Wheat Foundation (NWF) industry partner projects, an update on the 2016 Commodity Classic attendance, trade show and educational events, and an update on the 2016 Presidents’ Reception and WheatPAC Auction event. Information about upcoming promotional plans for the National Wheat Yield Contest was also presented.

Domestic and Trade Policy Committee NAWG’s Domestic and Trade Policy Committee (DTPC) discussed issues that could have significant implications for the agricultural economy.

With the GMO labeling debate front and center on the national stage, NAWG invited Kelly Johnston, Vice President of Government Affairs at Campbell Soup Company, to talk about Campbell’s recent decision to begin labeling their food containing genetically engineered ingredients. He cited the impending implementation of the Vermont labeling law on July 1, as well as the growing demand from consumers for this information, as reasons for the decision.

Campbell’s also has a website where they disclose additional information about their products.

The DTPC discussed developing priorities for the next Farm Bill, which is slated for reauthorization in 2018. Expiring policy resolutions were reviewed and several new proposals were considered. Specifically, the Committee adopted a new shortRediscover E AT 2016 RediscoverWH WH E AT| APRIL | APRIL 201617 17

term international trade policy goal of supporting all member country compliance with World Trade Organization (WTO) trade commitments. NAWG and U.S. Wheat Associates have been working jointly to direct public attention to the impact of other countries’ domestic support programs, which have been shown to greatly exceed their WTO commitments, on U.S. farmer revenue. In addition to this policy goal, the Committee also adopted a resolution supporting immediate Congressional ratification of the Trans Pacific Partnership, as well as a resolution to encourage the Department of Labor to reduce and eliminate excessive regulations that make the H2A and other employment programs unusable for the agricultural industry.

NAWG Welcomes New Communications Manager The National Association of Wheat Growers is pleased to welcome Ainslie Campbell to an expanded role on the NAWG team. Ainslie is a recent graduate of the University of WisconsinMadison with a degree in English Communications. She has been supporting NAWG’s policy and operations teams since early 2016 and her role is now being expanded to include communications. We are excited to welcome Ainslie to her new role. You can reach her at acampbell@wheatworld.org or (202) 547-7800.

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March 17, 2016 NWIC Holds Fly-in to Advocate for Research Funding The National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) held a fly-in to hit the Hill to discuss the importance of federal investment into agricultural research programs.

NWIC is comprised of public wheat breeders as well as wheat farmers from across the country; its purpose is to fortify the nation’s wheat improvement research capacity. NWIC’s 21 participants visited nearly 50 offices, including most of the Members of the House and Senate Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittees.

Through a collaborative effort, NWIC members developed a priority list of appropriations requests that it views as required to sustain the research that is necessary to improve the productivity of U.S. wheat farmers. The specific items NWIC members discussed with Congressional offices include fully funding the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative and a bump up in funding for the Small Grains Genomic Initiative.

In addition to visiting the Hill, NWIC members met with key contacts in USDA to discuss the need for increased research funding and provide awareness of issues impacting further innovation in wheat. Dr. Paul Murphy, NWIC Chairman from North Carolina University, and Vice Chair Dr. Robert Zemetra, a wheat breeder from Oregon State University, led the committee’s educational efforts on the Hill.

Senate Unable to Pass Biotechnology Labeling Bill The Senate took up Chairman Roberts’ bill (S. 2609) along with his substitute (Amendment 3450) that would implement immediate preemption, preventing the Vermont labeling law from going into effect on July 1, 2016 and the current state-by-state patchwork efforts. In a 48-49 vote the Chairman’s bill failed, as his efforts to implement voluntary disclosure, under the direction of USDA, were thwarted. The Chairman made strides to find a bipartisan solution that included a survey after one year of voluntary labeling products to determine if a 70% threshold of participation of labeled foods with disclosure related bioengineering was met. If not met, USDA would implement a mandatory labeling program that would utilize SmartLabel, websites and phone numbers.

Unfortunately, this was not enough to garner the necessary 60 votes. Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow will continue to work together over the Easter recess to find a solution agreeable to both sides before the Vermont law is realized.

Industry Coalition Seeks to Join Lawsuit in Defense of EPA On March 16, 2016, an industry coalition consisting of the National Association of Wheat Growers, CropLife America, the American Seed Trade Association, the Ag Retailers Association, the National Cotton Council of America, the American Soybean Association, and the National Corn Growers Association asked a federal court to allow them to join the lawsuit Anderson v EPA. The coalition seeks to join the

lawsuit to defend EPA’s current regulation of neonicotinoid seed treatments and to ensure that the court and EPA understand the vital importance of treated seeds to American agriculture.

“NAWG is pleased to join the coalition seeking to intervene in Anderson vs EPA. Seed treatments are a vital technology in protecting planted seeds and seedlings as they emerge,” says National Association of Wheat Growers President Gordon Stoner, a grower from Montana. “We take this action on behalf of wheat growers across the country, to ensure these critical technologies are available to all growers.”

NRCS Solicits Applications for Regional Conservation Program NRCS announced $260 million available for approved projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). RCPP focuses on collaborative projects to improve water quality, soil health, address drought and provide wildlife habitat on agricultural lands.

Project proposals should leverage financial and technical resources of partners that are coming together to address a specific resource need. NRCS will review the projects based on solutions, contributions, innovation and participation. Projects can focus on a state resource concern, or can be regional, multistate proposals. Funding for projects will be provided through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Conservation Stewardship Program and USDA wetland, farmland and forestry easement programs.

Pre-proposal applications must

be submitted by May 10, 2016.

Additional information regarding the application process can be found at http://www.grants.gov/ web/grants/view-opportunity. html?oppId=282185. Information on past projects and the RCPP can be found at http://www.nrcs. usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ national/programs/farmbill/rcpp/.

Powdery Mildew Resistant Wheat Cultivar Introduced by Calyxt, Inc. Calyxt, Inc., New Brighton, MN., a research and development company, has announced it has produced a wheat cultivar using the Talen® gene editing technology. The new cultivar is claimed to be resistant to powdery mildew, a foliar disease of wheat that is a challenge to wheat grown in moist environments. With the cultivar’s new resistance to the disease, farmer’s need to apply costly chemical fungicides will be potentially reduced or eliminated, saving farmers profitability and time, as well as increasing their wheat quality. According to Calyxt, Inc., the environmental and consumer health benefits are the result of the modification of one native gene, resulting in a natural-derived resistance to the fungal pathogens that cause powdery mildew disease. Because it does not change the wheat’s basic biology or composition, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has determined that this wheat is not regulated under 7 CFR Part 340 and can be commercialized without further oversight. That means this cultivar is NOT considered developed through biotechnology. With this determination, the new variety is

not subject to USDA regulations under the Plant Protection Act. NAWG is very supportive of plant innovations that will provide U.S. wheat growers the opportunity to become world leaders in wheat innovation, gain tools to increase their productivity and profitability, and encourage the development of new and better technologies.

House Budget Committee Approves FY 2017 Budget Resolution The House Budget Committee considered a FY 2017 budget resolution proposed by Committee Chairman Tom Price (R-GA) on Wednesday. After an extensive markup, the Committee approved the resolution on a 20-16 vote, mostly along party lines. The budget resolution does not specifically include any policy provisions directly attacking farm programs or crop insurance. However, with the potential for full chamber consideration, NAWG is closely following developments and will actively work to oppose any amendments that would undermine agricultural support programs if the budget resolution comes before the full chamber. Additionally, the House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee held a number of hearings to review various components of the Administration’s FY 2017 USDA budget request, including rural development and agricultural research programs, as well as a hearing with officials overseeing the Farm Service Agency and Risk Management Agency.

The hearings coincide with the Subcommittee’s funding Rediscover E AT 2016 RediscoverWH WH E AT| APRIL | APRIL 201619 19

request deadline, which will lead to potential Committee consideration of a funding bill.

March 28, 2016 NWYC Entry Deadlines Approaching The initial deadline for entering the winter wheat category of the new National Wheat Yield Contest (NWYC) is coming up April 1. The FINAL deadline is May 1. Please go to www. wheatfoundation.org or www. wheatworld.org and click on the NWYC “button” to enter.

The NWYC is a program of the National Wheat Foundation with goals to help enhance the quality and quantity of the U.S. wheat crop and to showcase U.S. wheat growers’ ability to produce the best quality wheat in the world.

The contest’s objectives are to drive innovation in the industry, enable knowledge transfer between growers, encourage the use of available technology, and identify top wheat growers across the nation. You MUST be a member of a recognized state wheat grower organization to enter, or a member of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) if entering from a state where no recognized wheat grower organization exists. Show your pride as a U.S. wheat grower and enter the NWYC today.

USDA Allows U.S. Commodity Checkoff Programs to Invest in Cuba The USDA announced this week that funds from federallyauthorized checkoff programs can be utilized for research and information exchange projects in Cuba. While U.S. wheat 20 Rediscover RediscoverWH WHEEAT AT| APRIL | APRIL2016 2016 20

growers do not have a federallyauthorized checkoff program, NAWG is supportive of any moves to improve trade ties with the island nation. NAWG views the announcement as a step in the right direction toward liberalizing trade to the benefit of U.S. wheat growers. Although state-based wheat checkoff funds have been widely used for these kinds of activities, the use of producerfunded federal commodity checkoff funds in Cuba will provide much needed research and consumer education projects.

Joining President Obama on his historic trip to Cuba was Kansas Wheat Commissioner and wheat farmer Doug Keesling, who has been actively involved with the U.S. Ag Coalition for Cuba’s (USACC) state-based activities.

As part of his trip, Keesling participated in an event with Sens.

Heidi Heitkamp (ND) and Amy Klobuchar (MN) as well as Rep. Tom Emmer (MN) to highlight the potential economic benefits for agriculture associated with liberalizing trade between the two countries.

NAWG continues to advocate for Congressional action on pending legislation to end the embargo and eliminate financing restrictions on the purchase of U.S. agricultural products.

Current restrictions make U.S.grown wheat unattractive, and as a result, Cuba buys most of its wheat from Canada and the E.U. Liberalizing trade with Cuba could mean a significant new market for U.S. wheat producers.

Updated Study Shows China’s Excessive Wheat Subsidies Continue to Harm U.S. Wheat Farmers NAWG joined with U.S. Wheat Associates in releasing an updated study quantifying the growing economic impact of China’s domestic support programs on U.S. farmers. Last September, NAWG and USW released the results of a broader study conducted by Iowa State University economist Dr. Dermot Hayes which showed that China’s excessive wheat subsidies caused U.S. wheat farmers to be losing out on $550 million in the form of lost revenue resulting from depressed world prices. The updated study released on Thursday demonstrates that the impact of China’s programs has grown since then by 16% to a $653 million impact. This econometric study follows a 2014 study conducted by DTB associates which explained how China subsidizes its farmers and demonstrated the degree to which that country is exceeding its commitments under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

“NAWG supports free trade and supports Congressional ratification of TPP,” said NAWG President Gordon Stoner. “But trade agreements cannot meet their promise if other countries ignore the rules. It is time for the Administration to seek enforcement through the WTO.” NAWG Signs Appropriations Letter Urging Resolution of OSHA Requirements NAWG and other agribusinesses have signed onto an appropriations letter addressed

to the Senate Appropriations Committee, urging the Committee to resolve the Occupation Safety & Heath Administration’s (OSHA) arbitrary and abrupt change in its Process Safety Management (PSM) “retail facility” interpretation. This change would establish new and stricter regulations for farm supply retailers, who were previously exempt from PSM standards.

The consequences of OSHA’s change in PSM standards would add significant costs to farm supply retailers, including storage, handling, and security regulations for anhydrous ammonia, which is an essential crop nutrient product.

With these new costs, retailers are considering eliminating anhydrous ammonia from their businesses, which would reduce the availability of a critical product and ultimately hurt American agriculture. NAWG and other organizations are requesting that the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies include language in the FY17 Appropriations Bill that would disallow OSHA to follow through on its requirements without the proper rulemaking procedures, public participation, and costbenefit analyses. NAWG supports the efforts of such measures to allow for public input when major policy changes are made that would cause significant burdens, and is requesting the support of the Appropriations Committee.

Deadline for Participation in Conservation Stewardship Program Fast Approaching The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which is USDA’s largest conservation program, helps producers voluntarily improve the health and productivity of private and Tribal working lands. Voluntary participation by producers in CSP has made improvements in soil and air quality, clean water conservation, and the wildlife habitats. Application for CSP involves a survey of producers’ land to determine its conservation potential for existing and new activities, which will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments. Participation in CSP allows producers to do their part in achieving higher levels of conservation and adopting new conservation technologies for farms, ranches, and forests. For more information or to apply for the program, contact your local USDA service center.

Kellogg, Mars and Others Join Campbell’s in Labeling GMOs, In Response to Vermont Bill With the defeat of the Senator Pat Roberts’ bill in the Senate, more and more corporations have announced plans to label products on a national scale in order to comply with Vermont’s GMO labeling requirements which will be taking effect in July. Following Campbell Soup’s announcement in January that it would start to label its biotech products, Kellogg Co., Mars Inc., General Mills, and ConAgra Foods have all joined Campbell’s in setting plans in motion to conform with the Vermont law. Unless compromises are made regarding the passage of

a preemption bill in the next few weeks following the Easter recess, Vermont will become the first state to establish a mandatory GMO labeling law. Although the law is only in Vermont right now, the corporations will be carrying out the requirements nationally, to avoid price differences from state to state and distribution concerns. However, with the exception of Campbell’s, these companies are labeling only in compliance with pending Vermont implementation and do not support mandatory labeling, urging Congress to reconsider a federal solution to preemption.

They also have made clear their beliefs that genetically engineered ingredients are a healthy and safe option, and that their plans to label GMO foods is due only to compliance with the law. NAWG supports efforts by Congress to pass a preemption bill that would block states from enacting differing labeling laws, resulting in a patchwork of regulations, and create a voluntary labeling program.

NAWG is Now Accepting Applications for its Summer 2016 Internship Program NAWG’s internship program provides sophomores, juniors, or seniors in college with the opportunity to gain real-world experience in policy development.

Applications are due by May 1, 2016 to be considered for the summer internship, which would take place in Washington D.C, beginning on June 1 with a flexible end date. As an hourly paid temporary employee, interns would gain experience in both communications and legislative work. Successful applicants must be excellent Rediscover E AT 2016 RediscoverWH WH E AT| APRIL | APRIL 201621 21

writers and communicators with a demonstrated interest in and connection to agriculture, policy, and government, as well as being interested in pursuing an agriculturally-related career after graduation. The materials required for application and further information are available on the NAWG website.

March 31, 2016 Cover Crop Survey Underway The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), the USDA Sustainable Research and Education (SARE) Program and the American Seed Trade Association are conducting a cover crop survey to gather information on whether or not producers are planting cover crops. The fourth annual survey should take 5-15 minutes to complete and is seeking information on decision making and the use of cover crops. CTIC and SARE make the results of the survey public and the information helps to inform the debates on cover crop adoption, what influences decisions on the use of cover crops and soil health discussions. You can take the survey, and opt to register to win a $100 gift card until May 1. The survey can be found at http:// tinyurl.com/ccsurvey2016. Past survey results are available on the CTIC website at: http://www. conservationinformation.org/ Cover%20Crops/ Preparations for the 2017 Commodity Classic Begin in San Antonio NAWG staff and representatives to the Commodity Classic Affiliate Council have been in San Antonio, TX discussing the plans for the 2017 Commodity 22

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Classic to take place next March.

Paul Penner, NAWG’s grower representative out of Kansas, and NAWG staff representative Liz Leith have been attending meetings with the Affiliate Council and the corporate board to discuss the results of the 2016 Commodity Classic in New Orleans, which had the largest attendance to date, with 9,770 attendees. Although attendance was at an all-time high, the Affiliate Council looks to associations to encourage higher attendance by farmers, who made up around half of attendees.

Penner and Leith have met with growers and staff to discuss moving forward with the planning for next year’s event, which will feature exhibits from heavyweight regular attendees such as Monsanto and John Deere. Efforts will be made to encourage farmer attendance, as well as determine ideal event locations and hotels for accessibility to the tradeshow.

USDA Announces Conservation Program Funding Availability Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced funding availability for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and funded through USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). With up to $20 million in grant funding, the program encourages the development of new and innovative conservation technologies for farmers and ranchers to utilize. Projects funded by the program help to alleviate water conservation challenges, as well as encourage investment by stakeholders in partnerships with farmers and ranchers. One of CIG’s main

goals is to benefit historically underserved agricultural producers, and encourage the transfer of conservation technologies utilized in organic systems to those underserved producers, assisting the farmers in adequately and efficiently implementing these practices.

In addition, Secretary Vilsack also announced a funding availability of up to $260 million for USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). The program encourages investments in partner-led proposals comprised of local leadership, local and tribal governments, universities, and non-profits to work with farmers and ranchers to develop and utilize landscapeand watershed-scale conservation.

Partner-led projects have used the RCPP system to address water quality in the Chesapeake Bay, control the advance of invasive plants in Oregon, and several other beneficial projects. USDA is now accepting proposals for FY17 RCPP funding. Please visit the RCPP website at http://www.nrcs. usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/ national/programs/farmbill/rcpp/.

Applications for both the CIG projects and RCPP projects are due to NRCS by May 10.

NAWG Leaders in D.C. This Week NAWG President Gordon Stoner and Vice President David Schemm were in Washington, D.C. for meetings with other agriculture organizations to discuss a number of issues affecting the wheat industry. Stoner participated in a meeting of the Monsanto Grower Advisory Council, which includes leadership from many of the other general agriculture and commodity organizations,

to discuss a variety of topics, including the state of the agricultural economy, new technologies, and political issues facing farm programs, among others. Schemm participated in a farm data meeting with other farm organization stakeholders to discuss issues surrounding transparency as well as the use of agricultural data, among others.

The meeting also included an update from FSA Administrator Val Dolcini about USDA’s efforts to set up a one-stop reporting system for farmers to streamline their reporting to FSA and their crop insurance companies.

Schemm is also in town to participate in a Field to Market Technology Committee meeting.

Surge in Big Companies Conforming to Vermont Law Invites Other GMO Labeling Bills

the law goes into effect. Legislation considered by these New England states are the latest in a string of states that are already considering passing such legislation, such as Tennessee, Florida, Hawaii and more. These developments reflect the fact that one small state’s legislation can influence consumer costs for the whole country as national corporations move to conform to Vermont’s legislation, while opposing mandatory labeling and calling for Senate action to stop the bill.

Communication Between Growers and Members More Important Than Ever With Congress in recess wheat growers should take this time to reach out to their Members of

Congress to address issues such as the importance of defending crop insurance through the appropriations process, eliminating the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, and establishing a national voluntary standard for GMO labeling. Although much of the fight seems to be contained at the federal level, grassroots calls-to-action from the voices of growers and constituents matter the most in influencing policies that have significant implications for agriculture. As NAWG gears up to prioritize issues for the next Farm Bill, it is critical that growers be in communication with their representatives at the federal level and urge them to make decisions in the interest of farmers across the country.

In the wake of the failed GMO labeling bill in the Senate before the Easter recess, additional New England states may be looking to pass their own labeling bills as big companies like General Mills, Mars, and Campbell’s begin to overhaul their labeling processes to conform with Vermont’s impending bill. States have been paying close attention to the conflict surrounding the preemption bill at the federal level, but with Senator Pat Roberts’ bill locked in a standoff over mandatory vs. voluntary labeling, states like Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island may try to capitalize on the momentum of the Vermont law and pass similar legislation.

Some states, like Connecticut, will revise previous labeling laws that include trigger provisions that call for the passage of similar legislation in other states before Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2016 23

News from : March 10, 2016 Lower U.S. Wheat Production in 2016/17 to Have Limited Effect on Global Demand

By Stephanie Bryant-Erdmann, USW Market Analyst This year, U.S. wheat planted area will fall to the lowest level since 1970, according to Mark Simone of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). The USDA held its annual Agricultural Outlook Forum on Feb. 25 to 26 where Simone presented the 2016 Grain and Oilseeds outlook. USDA currently estimates 2016/17 (June to May) wheat acreage at 51.0 million acres, a six percent decrease from last year.

Winter wheat plantings are down 7 percent according to USDA, with the hard red winter (HRW) crop having the largest decrease. HRW plantings fell by nine percent to 26.5 million acres.

Soft red winter (SRW) plantings decreased by 400,000 acres to 6.7 million acres. USDA anticipates a 5 percent reduction in spring wheat plantings due to more favorable returns for other commodities.

Currently, USDA’s spring wheat and durum acreage projection stands at 14.4 million acres, down from 15.1 million acres last year.

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Due to the expected reduction in planted area, production will decrease for HRW, hard red spring (HRS) and durum despite a predicted increase in average wheat yields. USDA expects white wheat production to increase slightly due to a small increase in planted area and more favorable growing conditions.

SRW production will remain flat with an expected increase in yield predicted to offset the lower planted area. Based on trend yields, USDA expects the national average yield to grow to 45.9 bushels per acre. USDA projects the wheat harvested-to-planted ratio will fall to 0.85, down slightly from last year’s 0.86 due to a small increase in expected abandonment rates.

Although planted area is down for winter wheat, current crop conditions for many HRWproducing states are significantly better than this time last year, with 57 percent of the total HRW crop in either good or excellent condition compared to 44 percent last year. However, warm temperatures brought wheat out of dormancy earlier than normal across much of the HRW growing region, increasing the plants’ need for water and vulnerability to a late-spring freeze. Current SRW

crop conditions also improved from last year with 58 percent of the crop in either good or excellent condition in Illinois, the only SRW state for which data is available at this time. USDA weekly crop progress reports will resume on April 4.

An increase in carryover stocks will push total U.S. supplies higher in 2016/17. USDA forecasts 2016/17 U.S. supplies at 83.9 million metric tons (MMT), up 5 percent from 2015/16 and 2 percent more than the 5-year average, if realized.

Demand in the U.S. will grow in 2016/17, with USDA anticipating a 5 percent increase in domestic use, from 32.2 MMT to 33.8 MMT. Price competition from other wheat exporters will continue to pressure demand for U.S. wheat, in spite of an anticipated decrease in world wheat production after three consecutive record crops.

However, USDA expects U.S. exports to rebound a bit to 23.1 MMT, up 6 percent from the forecasted 2015/16 U.S. wheat export level of 21.1 MMT. To read more from the USDA Outlook Forum or to download presentations, please visit http:// www.usda.gov/oce/forum/.

U.S. Wheat Sustainability is In the Details

By Elizabeth Westendorf, USW Policy Specialist When it comes to analyzing the sustainability of agricultural crops there is a tendency to apply generalized metrics or standards to a wide swath of scenarios. While there is value in using generalized metrics, broad stroke approaches can miss the small details that often make a big difference in regional situations. Seeing the whole forest is important, but sometimes you learn more by focusing a little more on individual trees.

Let us discuss wheat, for example. This is a crop with many specific advantages often not considered in a sustainability analysis. Farmers tend to grow wheat on marginal land areas that do not receive enough water for other agricultural production or in areas too cold or too dry for other crops. In some regions and systems, it plays a vital role in rotations with other row crops by providing residue in a soybean rotation and a watersaving role in irrigated corn or sorghum. In assessing wheat’s sustainability, generalized base metrics of water usage do not take in the whole picture. Wheat’s true sustainability should also include what it adds to the entire agricultural system, and how it complements other crops while providing an essential food grain for literally billions of people.

One area of wheat production that has been criticized for its sustainability in the past is Desert Durum® in the desert southwest

United States. Unlike most other wheat production, Desert Durum receives almost all of its water from irrigation. However, it uses less irrigation water than many of the other crops grown in that region, and farmers are constantly working to increase irrigation efficiency.

A recent study by Dr. George Frisvold of the University of Arizona analyzed sustainability metrics for water use in Arizona small grain production and found that most generalized metrics of sustainability do not adequately reflect the true nature of this system. Wheat, and specifically Desert Durum, plays an important role in sustainable agriculture in the Southwest. Using wheat in a rotation with vegetables in this area increases farmer profit significantly and maximizes economic productivity of water use. In addition, the study showed that the amount of water necessary to produce one bushel of Desert Durum in Arizona has declined by 18 percent over the last 30 years.

In the case in desert wheat and durum production, as in other U.S. wheat producing regions, different systems and environments face different challenges and producers adapt with different sustainable solutions. A general measure can never fully capture all of those nuanced solutions comprehensively.

For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1LROd1O, or http:// www.thesustainabilityalliance.us/.

Global and Domestic Perspectives on How Best to Meet the Growing Demand for Food “As a neutral forum, FAO has been promoting debates, dialogues and exchanges of information in order to enhance our knowledge of a broad portfolio of tools and approaches to eradicate hunger, fight every form of malnutrition and achieve sustainable agriculture.” That is how Jose Graziano da Silva, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, opened the recent FAO-hosted international symposium, “The Role of Agricultural Biotechnologies in Sustainable Food Systems and Nutrition.”

The symposium focused mainly on the broad range of biotechnologies that could result in yield increases, better nutritional qualities, and improved productivity of crops, livestock, fish and trees benefitting family farms. These include many applications such as fermentation processes, bio-fertilizers, artificial insemination, the production of vaccines, disease diagnostics, the development of bio-pesticides and the use of molecular markers in developing new plant varieties.

UN statistics indicate that one out of every nine people in the world is currently unable to eat enough nutrient energy to conduct an active and healthy life. In this context, Graziano da Silva said biotechnologies, knowledge and innovation must be available, accessible and applicable to family farmers and small holders.

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Such issues are getting a wide hearing these days, including by the Philippine government Departments of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, and Interior and Local Government. These agencies this week issued a joint ruling expected to lift a temporary ban on research, field-testing, commercialization and importation of genetically modified crops and biotech products in the country imposed by the country’s Supreme Court last December.

the industry also wants to focus on such improvements in seed technologies as biotechnology and other “new breeding techniques shy of GMO.”

The scientific and academic community, farmer groups, traders, food and feed processors, and livestock producers had all criticized the ban. Dr. Emil Q. Javier, a noted Filipino scientist, academician and chair of the Coalition for Agriculture Modernization in the Philippines, said the temporary ban helped change public opinion about the science and benefits of genetically modified organisms by drawing attention to the issue and encouraging researchers to raise their voices about such advances in science and technology.

For more information about the joint positions of USW and NAWG on agricultural biotechnology, visit www.uswheat.org/biotechnology.

More specific to wheat, leaders from the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) are raising concerns about the economic viability of wheat production in the United States, and promoting the potential role of all new technologies to help.

For example, NAWG is developing a National Wheat Action Plan and a yield contest. In addition, at the recent Commodity Classic event, NAWG’s past president Brett Blankenship said 26Rediscover RediscoverWH WH | APRIL 2016 26 E EATAT| APRIL 2016

The Washington farmer spoke in favor of advancements in wheat genetics. When asked if he would grow biotech wheat on his own property, Blankenship said that “would be a marketing decision more than an agronomic one.”

He pointed to the high volume of Washington wheat exported to markets that are “sensitive” to biotechnology.

USDA-ARS Soft Wheat Quality Lab, Breeders Work to Improve Soft Red Winter Wheat Quality

By Steve Mercer, USW Vice President of Communications Anyone who grows wheat or mills flour knows that growing conditions affect wheat quality from year to year. For example, the weather has not been overly friendly to the U.S. SRW wheat crop the past few seasons. Not every state where SRW grows had quality problems, but fusarium head blight pushing up DON levels and rain at harvest in the south and Midwest pushing down falling numbers had significant effects in 2014 and 2015.

Although researchers have not yet found a way to keep weather from affecting wheat soundness, they certainly can, and do, build the potential for excellent milling and processing quality into seed stock. Public and private

wheat breeders are working every day to advance U.S. wheat quality. It is a mission deemed so important for domestic and overseas customers that the U.S. government continues to support it in part by funding four regional Wheat Quality Laboratories. The Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory (SWQL) in Wooster, OH, evaluates end-use quality of wheat breeding lines as well as existin­­g and new varieties to support the development of wheat varieties possessing superior quality, and conducts quality research on SRW grown in the eastern United States.

Dr. Byung-Kee Baik joined USDA’s Agricultural Research Service as SWQL Director in 2013.

He said SWQL’s work provides public information to a wide variety of organizations.

“Our staff analyzed more than 6,000 soft red winter samples from 16 public and private breeding programs for end use quality in 2015,” he noted. “On each sample, we conduct wheat grade and nongrade tests, mill each sample on our quadrumat laboratory mill and then conduct flour, dough and baking tests. We share the results with breeders and domestic millers to help them select the varieties that perform best.”

“Soft red winter wheat has so many potential end use applications depending on the functional characteristics needed,” said Dr. Clay Sneller, Professor and Wheat Breeder with Ohio State University.

“We can breed varieties with stronger gluten for baguette-type bread and weaker gluten lines for cake mixes and cookies. Now, our ability to identify markers for genes

that control specific qualities in the wheat really helps us work with lines that have the quality traits end users need and the characteristics farmers need, including high yield potential and disease resistance.

The quality analysis done here at the lab is the proof that we have found the right match.”

Overseas customers directly benefit from this work because SWQL conducts independent testing on SRW varieties for the U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) Overseas Varietal Analysis (OVA) program. The lab is one of several domestic partners that help collect, mill, inspect and test samples of new U.S. wheat varieties. USW then sends those samples to international millers and end use processors for analysis and comparison with local standards. USW compiles the results in annual reports shared with cooperators overseas and with wheat breeders in the United States. Ultimately, farmers plant the selected SRW varieties selected for good functional qualities — and supplies make their way into export channels.

USW believes that SRW exported from the Lakes, East Coast and Gulf ports and soft white (SW) from the Pacific Northwest are well placed to serve a growing demand around the world for higher-value end products.

Through technical support and training, USW has already started helping premium flour millers and end-product manufacturers, especially in the emerging cookie (biscuit) and confectionary sectors, identify the economic benefits of using flour made from U.S. SRW and SW.

USW representatives look forward to sharing this support on a wider basis in the future. There is much confidence that the traits bred into U.S. wheat lines and proven by publicly funded research like that conducted at Ohio State University and the SWQL will help domestic and overseas flour and wheat food industries continue to prosper, and demand for U.S. soft wheats to grow.

Editor’s Note: For more information on another of the many publicly funded U.S. wheat research programs, visit http:// www.tristateneighbor.com/news/ crop/winter-breeding-programspeeds-development-of-wheatvarieties/article_95b0202e-e08011e5-af46-271edcf5dd78.html to read an article on how breeders in South Dakota are emphasizing quality testing and selection in hard wheat classes.

New Wheat Foods Council Promotion Plan May Spark Ideas for Overseas Markets The Wheat Foods Council (WFC) recently announced a new strategy to focus on new target audiences and messaging priorities after a strategic planning session at its recent annual meeting in Scottsdale, AZ. “U.S. wheat overseas customers value high quality wheat and are eager to learn more, starting in breeding programs and all the way through to the nutritional value of the end product,” said USW Vice President of Communications, Steve Mercer. “Wheat Foods Council is an excellent resource and advocate for downstream customers and USW believes overseas wheat food organizations may find some useful ideas in their new approach.”

“I’m excited about our new plans,” said WFC President, Tim O’Connor. “We have identified a number of initiatives we will be able to implement immediately giving us a jump-start on our new strategies for next fiscal year’s programming which begins in July 2016.”

WFC developed the new strategic plan through extensive dialogue with the wheat industry including producers, millers and bakers along with insight obtained through a survey of medical doctors, registered dietitians and personal trainers.

“We identified personal trainers as a category of particular interest for targeting new educational programs due to their strong relationship with consumers as a go-to source for health and nutrition information,” said O’Connor. He added that registered dietitians, with whom the WFC has developed a strong relationship over several decades, will continue to be an important part of its influencer education mix.

In terms of messaging — while recognizing and supporting the importance of whole grains in the diet — the strategic plan places greater emphasis on educating influencers and consumers about the significant health contributions of enriched wheat products. Demystifying the milling process will go hand-inhand with recognizing the role enriched wheat products play in healthful eating.

O’Connor said WFC will work with an Advisory Board to take a closer look at the science around RediscoverWH WHEEAT AT| |APRIL APRIL2016 2016 27 27 Rediscover

‘enriched’ grains, and will use this information as the basis for future programs. “We know the industry has supported enriched products,” he said. “Our new strategy builds on those initiatives and takes new approaches to advance the image of enriched wheat products.”

Another key area identified in the strategic plan is to develop education and messaging to influencer groups that focus on wheat and wheat breeding. The WFC will develop new program elements that proactively address misinformation in the media and on the Web surrounding this topic.

For more information, visit the WFC website, www.wheatfoods. org.

Wheat Industry News Recognizing Years of Service.

Many USW employees have recently celebrated milestone work anniversaries. We are so fortunate to have such devoted, loyal colleagues and we thank them for their years of dedicated service to our organization, to U.S. wheat farmers and to our customers around the world.

Hoda Moawad, Regional Program Supervisor, USW Cairo Office, celebrated 35 years in December 2015.

Sonia Munoz, Regional Program Manager, USW Santiago Office, celebrated 35 years in February 2016.

Plutarco Ng, Technical Consultant, USW Manila Office, celebrated 25 years in January 2016.

Mohamed Srhiyer, Clerk and Driver, USW Cairo Office, celebrated 20 years in November 2015 28Rediscover RediscoverWH WHE AT | APRIL 2016 28 E AT | APRIL 2016

Elsa Chung, Executive Secretary and Bookkeeper, USW Hong Kong Office, celebrated 20 years in November 2015.

Kaiwen Wu, Office Manager and Bookkeeper, USW Beijing Office, celebrated 20 years in February 2016.

Alain Sellier, Program Manager, USW Headquarters Office, celebrated 20 years in February 2016 Past USW Chairman in “Hall of Fame. The Eastern Idaho Agricultural Hall of Fame recently inducted Jerry Kress, a wheat farmer from American Falls, ID, and a Past USW Chairman (199899), for his contributions to Idaho agriculture and the U.S. wheat industry. Kress farms with his son, Jon, and also grow oilseeds and alfalfa hay. Kress served on the Idaho Wheat Commission and USW boards of directors for a decade. Read more at http:// www.rexburgstandardjournal. com/news/idaho/eastern-idahoagriculture-hall-of-fame-chosenfor/article_d24798e6-e1b1-11e59fa4-cffaf26a1d87.html.

New NAWG Officer Team Installed at Commodity Classic.

Gordon Stoner, a wheat grower from Montana, was elected to serve as the new President of the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) at the association’s board of directors meeting at the recent Commodity Classic event. New to the officer team is Ben Scholz, a wheat grower from Texas, who will rotate through the officer board starting as secretary. To read the full announcement visit www. wheatworld.org.

NAWG Awards Ambassador Vetter with President’s Award.

At the 2016 Commodity Classic, Immediate Past NAWG President Brett Blankenship awarded Darci Vetter, the Chief Agriculture Negotiator at the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, with NAWG’s President’s Award. In its inaugural year, the award is designed to highlight individuals who work tirelessly on behalf of the agriculture industry. It is given to someone who expresses a passion for the wheat industry, based on the individual’s demonstration of commitment to the welfare and goals of America’s wheat farmers.

Condolences. USW was saddened to learn of the sudden death of long-time USW Cookie/ Cracker Consultant, Terry Knabe.

His knowledge and expertise will be sorely missed. Our thoughts are with his family.

IGP Institute Seeks Milling Expert. Creating a preference for U.S. and Kansas wheat is one of the goals of the educational programs at the Kansas State University IGP Institute. To help fulfill that objective, the Department of Grain Science and Industry and the IGP Institute are working together to identify high quality candidates for this 12-month, non-tenured faculty appointment. To learn more about the position visit the IGP Institute website at www.grains.ksu.edu/ igp.

Wheat Marketing Center Asian Noodle Technology and Ingredient Application Course.

This hands-on course, scheduled for April 5 to 8, 2016, will focus on better understanding noodle formulation, processing

technology, evaluation techniques and the functionality of food ingredients in Asian noodle applications. For more information and to register visit http://wmcinc.org.

Northern Crops Institute Pasta Production and Technology Course. This course, scheduled for April 12 to 14, 2016, introduces the fundamental and applied aspects of manufacturing extruded pasta products.

Raw material quality criteria, specifications and processing variables and their impact on final pasta quality will be present in detail. The registration deadline is March 28. For more information and to register visit www. northern-crops.com/trainingcourses.

IGP Institute Marketing Two Upcoming Milling Courses.

The first course, Managing Mill Balance and Control, scheduled for June 7 to 10, 2016, will focus on the front half of the milling process with opti­mizing breaks and purifiers. The second course, Milling Practices to Improve Flour Quality, scheduled for June 14 to 17, 2016, will focus on the reduc­tion system of the milling process and how flour quality is managed. Course instructor Shawn Thiele encourages participants to stay for both courses as each covers important components in the milling process. For more information and to register visit www. igpevents.grains.ksu.edu.

March 24, 2016 Spring Brings Weather Concerns and the First Look at World Production Forecasts

By Stephanie Bryant-Erdmann, USW Market Analyst The end of March heralds not only the beginning of spring — which is a crucial time for both winter and spring wheat production — but also the first round of 2016/17 world wheat production forecasts and winter wheat condition reports.

Black Sea — Spring planting began two weeks earlier than normal in Russia and Ukraine thanks to a mild winter, which also improved winter wheat conditions in Russia. As of Feb. 26, Reuters reported 10 percent of Russian winter grains were rated in poor condition, down from 11 percent in the last crop condition report on Nov. 25, 2015. However, Russia agriculture consultancy SovEcon still expects Russian wheat production to decline by 5 percent less in 2016/17 to an estimated 58.0 million metric tons (MMT). Ukrainian consultancy UkrAgroConsult pegged 2016/17 Ukraine wheat production at 17.3 MMT, down 30 percent from 2015/16. Poor weather during fall planting reduced Ukrainian winter wheat planted area to 14.5 million acres (5.89 million hectares), down 13 percent from 2015/16.

Canada — On March 16, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada released the latest update to its Canada: Outlook for Principal Field Crops report. According to the report, relatively higher durum prices in 2015/16, especially compared

to spring wheat, will increase Canadian durum planted area by 2 percent in 2016/17. Durum production, forecast to reach 5.90 MMT, will increase an estimated 9 percent year over year. Canada’s winter wheat seeding increased 24 percent with good planting conditions in Ontario. That increase offset an anticipated 4 percent decline in spring wheat seeding, due to increased competition from durum, oilseeds and pulses.

Despite 2 percent lower planted area, expected higher yields will push wheat production higher in 2016/17, according to the report that pegged 2016/17 Canadian production at 23.0 MMT, up 4 percent from 2015/16.

European Union (EU) — According to the March EU crop monitoring service (MARS) report, EU winter conditions provided adequate rainfall and moderate temperatures across the region with a few notable exceptions. Northern Morocco and northern Algeria reported one of the lowest accumulated rainfalls in history. MARS pegged EU 2016/17 soft wheat (nondurum- yields at an average 88.7 bu/acre (5.96 t/ha), down from 93.1 bu/acre (6.26 t/ha) last year.

The EU report forecasted durum yields at 49.5 bu/acre (3.33 t/ha), which would be down 5 percent year over year. The European Commission projects EU wheat production to total 142 MMT, down from 151 MMT in 2015/16.

India — Wheat harvest is currently underway in India, the world’s second largest wheat producer behind China, after heavy rains and hail delayed harvest in several key states earlier this month. Officials are Rediscover RediscoverWH WHEEAT AT| |APRIL APRIL2016 2016 29 29

still assessing the extent of the rain and hail damage; however, the timing of these storms is similar to those that cut Indian wheat production to 86.5 MMT last year. On March 19, Reuters reported as much as 14 percent of the estimated 93.8 MMT of production may be lost. USDA forecasted Indian 2015/16 ending stocks at an estimated 13.2 MMT, down 23 percent year over year.

United States — While USDA will not release the U.S. Prospective Plantings report until March 31, it provided an early estimate in February for U.S. spring wheat and durum planted area of 14.4 million acres (5.83 million hectares), down 5 percent from 2015/16. Weekly crop progress reports for select states noted warm, dry weather in the Northern Plains allowed

farmers to prepare for U.S. spring planting two weeks earlier than normal. However, that same warm dry weather is also decreasing soil moisture across the hard red spring (HRS) and northern durum region. As of March 22, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows abnormally dry conditions across most of North Dakota, the top HRS producing state.

Warm weather also caused winter wheat to break dormancy earlier than normal this year across much of the Southern Plains, leaving it vulnerable to a late freeze. Over the weekend, Kansas and Oklahoma farmers — who produce over half of the U.S. hard red winter (HRW) crop — experienced an extended period of cold weather. Southeast Colorado also saw the freeze. It will take a few weeks to discover the extent of the freeze damage to the wheat.

As of March 21, USDA reported 20 percent of the Kansas crop and 38 percent of the Oklahoma crop was in the vulnerable jointing stage. USDA will resume weekly crop progress reports for the United States on April 4.

We are months away from knowing what the 2016/17 world wheat crop will look like, and as always the weather will have the final say on yields and production.

However, with an estimated 26.3 MMT of wheat left in the bins from 2015/16, the U.S. wheat store will continue to supply highquality wheat to its customers; regardless of what happens in 2016/17.

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Air Force One Lands in Cuba

By Ben Conner, USW Deputy Director of Policy Air Force One had never been to Cuba. As the call sign for planes used to transport the President of the United States, Air Force Ones have landed in over 100 countries, but not once in Cuba until this past Sunday. That day marked the start of the first trip by a sitting U.S. president to Cuba since 1928.

President Obama spent three days in Cuba, along with a large delegation of government officials and industry representatives.

Most importantly for agriculture, several representatives of the U.S. Agriculture Coalition for Cuba (USACC) made the trip at the invitation of the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Representing wheat farmers was Doug Keesling from Kansas.

“We need to put politics aside.

It is time for the people of Cuba and the United States to finally be able to meet each other faceto-face,” said Keesling. “Whether we are looking to make deals on wheat shipments or just enjoy each other’s company over mojitos and cigars, we are tired of dealing with these restrictions. It’s time to move on to the next chapter in U.S.-Cuban relations and end the embargo.”

It was an eventful few days for the USACC members, who met with counterparts in Cuban agriculture and participated in events with agriculture leaders from both U.S. and Cuban governments. USACC acted as ambassadors for U.S. agriculture in a country where there has been far too little exposure in decades,

even handing out Cuban and American flag lapel pins on the streets.

A lot has happened in the nearly 90 years since a U.S. President last visited Cuba. Most significantly, for U.S.-Cuban relations, revolutionary armed forces led by Fidel Castro deposed the U.S.-backed government in Havana in 1959. Very few U.S. citizens have ever approved of the revolutionary government in Havana or supported its efforts to spread Marxist ideology beyond its shores. Since the end of the Cold War, pronounced ideological differences have persisted, though ideological conflict has largely subsided.

According to public opinion polls, most Americans support repealing the laws collectively known as the Cuba Embargo.

Generally, supporters of repeal believe it would be better for both the Cuban and American people if the two countries can trade and interact freely, or at least without obstacles imposed by the United States. Along with President Obama, many Members of Congress – both Republicans and Democrats – support engagement instead of sanctions. Several from both parties accompanied the President this week in Cuba, along with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and other Cabinet members.

Cuba is the largest wheat market in the Caribbean, but U.S. exports have dried up completely since 2011. The single largest obstacle preventing the resumption of wheat exports to Cuba is codified in U.S. law and will take an act of Congress to repeal. The embargo must end and the wheat industry

will continue advocating for that action.

China’s Excessive Wheat Subsidies and Other Policies Increase U.S. Farm Losses Over the past few years, USW and the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) have demonstrated how the policies of a few advanced developing countries are distorting world wheat trade and hurting farmers in the United States and other wheat exporting countries. In 2015, an Iowa State University study sponsored by USW showed that China’s excessive wheat subsidies alone were costing U.S. farmers almost $550 million per year. Now, just one year later, a January 2016 update of the study demonstrated that the decline in world prices has increased the projected annual loss in U.S. wheat farm revenue from China’s policies by 16 percent to $653 million.

A 2014 study by DTB Associates showed that China far exceeds its limits on wheat subsidies set when it joined the World Trade Organization (WTO). China also agreed to allow wheat imports at a 1 percent tariff rate, up to a quota of 9.64 MMT. The out-of-quota tariff rate is 65 percent. China rarely administers this tariff rate quota (TRQ) as agreed and imports invariably fall far below the quota, even when its domestic prices are far above world market prices.

The evidence strongly supports the conclusion that China’s noncompliant domestic subsidies and TRQ administration create artificial incentives for its farmers to grow even more wheat at a time when China already controls Rediscover E EATAT| APRIL 2016 RediscoverWH WH | APRIL 201631 31

almost 40 percent of world wheat stocks. In turn, the policies suppress wheat import demand in China and put additional downward pressure on world wheat prices.

“Considering all the trade distorting policies U.S. farmers face in the world, the wheat subsidies in China and in other developing countries have the most serious effect on farm gate prices and trade flows,” said USW President Alan Tracy. “The studies we have sponsored clearly show the problem is growing more serious at the worst time for farmers who are already facing unprofitable prices.”

“We have already seen prices collapse to unsustainable levels in just a few seasons,” said NAWG President Gordon Stoner, a wheat grower from Outlook, MT. “The drain on my income and the income of every wheat farmer in the United States will keep getting worse if China’s policies are not brought back into compliance with the commitment its government made to trading partners.”

“Based on evidence that such policies are cutting deeper into farmer revenue, the boards of directors for USW and NAWG recognized that the time has come to put egregious cases like this on a path toward formal dispute settlement through the WTO,” Tracy said. “Since these harmful policies are the acts of sovereign governments, our farmer organizations cannot battle them alone. We are working with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and USDA to develop a possible WTO challenge.”

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USW Board Teams Find Value in Visiting Overseas Markets and Customers Every year USW sends two board teams overseas to give U.S. wheat producers the opportunity to learn from customers about the wheat quality characteristics their markets prioritize and their thoughts on why they do or do not purchase U.S. wheat. Both of the 2016 board teams recently returned from their trips in midMarch.

The 2016 EU/MEENA Board Team, led by USW Program Manager, Erica Oakley, traveled to Morocco, Italy and Israel. The team included: Michael Edgar, a wheat farmer from Yuma, AZ, and a current USW director representing the Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council; Ken Davis, a wheat farmer from Grandview, TX, and a current USW director representing the Texas Wheat Producers Board; and Michael Peters, a wheat farmer from Okarche, OK, and the secretary/treasurer of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission.

The team had the opportunity to meet with government officials, traders, seaport authorities, millers and bakers, all providing an unique perspective on the processing and marketing sectors of the wheat value chain in each country. In return, the team spoke on continued efforts to improve the quality of U.S. wheat while also retaining high yields.

“At each meeting, the team shared how, as farmers, they make decisions on what wheat varieties to grow and inputs to use. It seemed to come as a surprise to some that we visited on how much U.S. farmers need to make

per bushel to break even — not to mention obtain a profit,” said Oakley. “Others were surprised to hear that U.S. farmers are paid for the quantity of wheat that they produce, not necessarily for the quality.”

As a first-time board team traveler, Michael Peters felt that the trip was an eye opening and incredibly valuable experience for wheat producers. In Italy and Israel, customers expressed interest in buying hard white (HW) wheat and Peters was able to share with them the progress that Oklahoma and Kansas are making in their latest varieties and when those may become commercially available.

Visiting two prominently durum markets gave Michael Edgar — a producer and trader — the chance to hear what characteristics the Moroccans like to see (color) versus what the Italians view as valuable (gluten, protein, etc.) when purchasing durum.

The markets the team visited were some of the toughest for exporting U.S. HRW and soft red winter (SRW), making the trip all the more valuable for a farmer like Ken Davis, who learned more about what qualities the customers deem as valuable, and emphasizing the need for better strategy to target those niche markets.

The 2016 North Asia Board Team, led by USW Policy Specialist, Elizabeth Westendorf, traveled to Japan and Korea.

The team included: Darren Padget, a wheat farmer from Grass Valley, OR, and a current USW director representing the Oregon Wheat Commission; Greg LeBlanc, a wheat farmer

from Crookston, MN, and a director of the Minnesota Wheat Research and Promotion Council; Clark Hamilton, a wheat farmer from Ririe, ID, and a current USW director representing the Idaho Wheat Commission; and Gary Bailey, a wheat farmer from St. John, WA and a current USW director representing the Washington Grain Commission.

Bailey each spoke about current soft white (SW) conditions on their farms and last year’s protein spread, as well as the industry’s process for continuous varietal improvement. Greg LeBlanc, a HRS wheat farmer, offered his perspective on the HRS crop and on current efforts to ensure continued high baking quality and protein.

“Traveling to these countries gave the team a unique opportunity to talk directly with international customers about the wheat they use and what they look for in a product,” said Westendorf.

“Each team member shared their own story on what they grow, how they raise it and why they make certain production decisions.

They shared photos of their farm and equipment, and each spoke on U.S. farmers’ commitment to producing a quality product.”

The team connected with agricultural staff at the U.S. embassy in both countries, allowing them further insights into the intricacies of the agricultural background of Japan and South Korea. In Korea, Embassy staff also joined the team for a day when they toured the Nongshim noodle factory.

This was one of the highlights of the trip for the members as U.S. wheat is an essential ingredient in the production of their popular packaged ramen noodles consumed throughout Asia, and the team was able to watch the fried noodles being produced.

The team visited wheat product facilities and mills in both Japan and South Korea, allowing them to observe the differences in production and milling between the two countries, while also discussing U.S. wheat use in everyday products. In Japan, one of the highlights was getting to sample Japanese bread products at Pasco. These products, made partially from U.S. wheat, are vastly different from U.S. bread products, and tasting this difference was helpful for the team in understanding Japanese baking goals.

Darren Padget took the opportunity to explain the details of the wheat/fallow rotation he uses to ensure enough moisture in the soil, a technique of which most Japanese millers were not aware. Padget, Hamilton and

“Board team trips are a valuable learning experience not only for the board members participating, but also for the customers with whom they meet, many of whom have never had the chance before to speak directly to farmers producing the wheat they buy,” said Westendorf. “This kind of relationship building exercise strengthens brand loyalty and allows international customers to fully comprehend the effort and dedication our farmers put into their wheat production.”

Oakley added, “The value of USW board team trips is clear.

Providing an open and direct line of communication between those that grow the wheat, those

that mill the wheat and those that transform wheat into end-user products, benefits everyone.”

Both teams will report to the USW board at meetings later this year. To see pictures from the trips please visit the USW Facebook page at www.facebook/uswheat.

National Wheat Improvement Committee Advocates for Research Funding Excerpts from the National Association of Wheat Growers Newsletter.

The United States has a longhistory of advancing wheat quality to satisfy the demand of a growing world market for high quality, wholesome grains that become the ingredients of a sophisticated food industry. The National Wheat Improvement Committee (NWIC) — including public wheat breeders, farmers and industry stakeholders — serves a vital role by providing farmers with high quality seed stock so that the United States can produce superior quality wheats demanded by domestic and overseas markets. Unfortunately, wheat research funding relative to the economic viability of U.S. wheat is inadequate “In many cases, due to the strong dollar, these quality wheats now garner a substantial premium, reflecting their intrinsic end-use functional value,” said USW Vice President and West Coast Office Director Steve Wirsching. “To maintain our competitive advantage in the area of quality, U.S. farmers need new breeding technology that will require continued investment from both public and private sector stakeholders.”

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To sustain the research needed to improve U.S. wheat’s position in foreign markets, the NWIC has determined that Congress needs to provide $3.4 million more every year in research funds. As a part of its educational activities, the NWIC brought 21 wheat breeders and stakeholders to Washington, DC, March 15.

Armed with a priority list of critical research appropriation requests, NWIC members made their case with key contacts in USDA and Congress. Their requests included full funding for the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative and next-generation genotyping, which will facilitate the application of genomic information and DNA marker technologies for improvement and breeding of wheat, barley and oat varieties.

“It is crucial that Congress is aware of the necessity for continued, stable investment in wheat research,” said NWIC Chairman Dr. Paul Murphy, from North Carolina University. “The next decade holds tremendous promise based on emerging technologies that were not possible even five or ten years ago.

This is a wonderful time to be a wheat researcher because we are developing technology to improve efficiency, address vulnerabilities such as disease, insect and abiotic stresses, and maintaining the quality of wheat we need to help feed the world.”

The NWIC believes the benefits of increased research investment will cascade from farmers to the world’s millers, bakers, brewers and consumers.

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Recently, the USDA has also made a case for agriculture research funding. As reported in Agri-Pulse © on March 16, the leaders of USDA's research agencies told lawmakers on the House Agriculture Appropriations panel why federal investment in agricultural research is critical to protecting the national food system and supporting American producers. Read the full story from Agri-Pulse http://www.agripulse.com/USDA-makes-case-forag-research-dollars-03162016.asp.

Wheat Industry News Daunting Wheat Situation.

“Even bakers benefiting from wheat flour prices the lowest most of them have ever experienced ought to be feeling a few qualms about the future of the wheat economy. After all, wheat prices first dipped to the lowest levels in years some months ago, causing the dramatic fall in flour costs, but also responsible for equally sharp falls in farmer income.” – Morton Sosland, Editor-in-Chief, Milling & Baking News, March 15, 2016.

New Tool to Fight Food Insecurity. The “Group on Earth Observations” has launched an Early Warning Crop Monitor.

Developed by the GEO Global Agricultural Monitoring Initiative (GEOGLAM), initiated by the G-20 Agriculture Ministers, the Early Warning Crop Monitor (ECWM) provides consensus reports on crop conditions in countries at risk of food insecurity in Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Central and East Asia. The March EWCM bulletin reports that countries in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa face

severe droughts attributed to the on-going El Niño. Visit www. geoglam-crop-monitor.org/ to learn more.

BNSF Cuts Shipping Rates for Wheat. Because of cheaper diesel fuel and the lower shipping demand along BNSF Railway routes, the railroad announced a $100 per-car reduction for wheat shipments during a meeting with the Montana Grain Growers Association and the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, the Billings Gazette reported this week. The reduction is favorable news for farmers who have held onto wheat in hopes that overseas demand for U.S. grain would improve. Visit http:// billingsgazette.com/news/stateand-regional/montana/bnsfcuts-shipping-rates-for-wheat/ article_6535af01-59ca-5454a08c-cb908cdf1fe2.html for more information.

Wheat Marketing Center Advanced Asian Technology Course. This hands-on course is scheduled for June 6 to 10, 2016.

For more information, please visit http://wmcinc.org.

Maltby Market Analysis

Hello Kansas Wheat. I hope you had a good Easter.

by Dan Maltby

Last week’s freeze event was only worth a 2c rally by the end of the week. And Easter morning brought this to a narrow band of The Great Plains USA HRW Wheat Belt:

Maybe the snow put out the fires on 400,000 acres…

Charts and discussions follow, with the goal of giving you useful information to help you with your business. My disclaimer remains the same: these are my sometimes rapidly changing opinions; the markets are quite treacherous; and past performance is no guarantee…dm

Kansas Wheat market update #214 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/25/16 pg. 1

Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2016 35

One thing we know, is the wheat futures market are not on fire… flatter than a pancake right now, ALTHOUGH this KC July chart shows a Bull Flag formation, pointing to a breakout higher, and making a run at the $5.00 resistance again.

Thus the chart says a move is coming. It points higher, but…the market has a mind of its own. The weekly closing futures table points how that 11-week closing highs in KC wheat are 11c away ($4.84), with 11-week closing lows 18c below ($4.54), yet ominously, 2-week closing lows with minor sell-stops would be expected if this week closes below $4.70. I’d say something is coming this week.

CLOSE

KWK16

KWN16

KWZ16

CK16

CN16

CZ16

WK16

MWK16

MWN16

SK16

03/25

$4.72

$4.83

$5.16

$3.70

$3.75

$3.87

$4.63

$5.14

$5.23

$9.11

03/18

$4.70

$4.80

$5.14

$3.67

$3.72

$3.86

$4.63

$5.09

$5.18

$8.98

03/11

$4.83

$4.93

$5.25

$3.65

$3.70

$3.83

$4.76

$5.15

$5.24

$8.96

03/04

$4.69

$4.78

$5.11

$3.58

$3.64

$3.78

$4.61

$4.98

$5.05

$8.79

02/26

$4.54

$4.65

$4.99

$3.60

$3.64

$3.78

$4.52

$4.90

$4.99

$8.64

02/19

$4.66

$4.77

$5.11

$3.69

$3.74

$3.87

$4.67

$4.98

$5.06

$8.81

02/12

$4.54

$4.65

$4.99

$3.64

$3.69

$3.82

$4.63

$4.88

$4.95

$8.77

02/05

$4.64

$4.73

$5.07

$3.71

$3.76

$3.89

$4.71

$4.97

$5.04

$8.71

01/29

$4.82

$4.92

$5.25

$3.77

$3.82

$3.93

$4.85

$5.06

$5.12

$8.85

01/22

$4.81

$4.93

$5.23

$3.75

$3.80

$3.92

$4.80

$5.03

$5.09

$8.77

01/15

$4.84

$4.94

$5.26

$3.68

$3.73

$3.85

$4.79

$5.04

$5.11

$8.79

01/08

$4.83

$4.92

$5.26

$3.63

$3.69

$3.83

$4.84

$5.08

$5.17

$8.68

Kansas Wheat market update #214 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/25/16 pg. 2 36

Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2016

I would point out that soybeans set a new blue font, a new 11-week closing high, which means at least one round of buy-stops were triggered, and a higher close for the week would bring in round 2...so beans possibly could help wheat, maybe. Corn is not helping, or hurting KC wheat. I think the same thing could be said about Chgo wheat. However, MGEX (Minny) spring wheat is supportive, and a 2c higher close for this coming week up there would bring in round 2 of relatively big short covering.

Spring wheat is firm because it’s planting season, and the expectations are spring wheat loses noticeable acres this spring to a much more profitable crop… pulses, peas, dry edible beans or lentils.

This is Minny July:

Right now, Hard Red Winter longs are cheering for the MGEX contract to move higher, and have spring wheat drag hard winter with it.

Here is a soybean chart:

Near as I can figure out, one of the most bullish things about soybeans are…everyone is bearish.

Kansas Wheat market update #214 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/25/16 pg. 3

Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2016 37

Also, an early and extended USA planting season would tend to favor corn acres. Here is Dec corn, basically doing nothing, yet…blue line is $3.93, and red line is $3.78:

I said “yet” …because corn will undoubtedly be forced to do something one of these days.

THIS Thursday might move ALL of these charts. Why this Thursday? Because USDA’s NASS will release two key fundamental inputs. Stocks-in-all-positions will give clues about the usage pace, AND also, we will get the always interesting Prospective Plantings.

Besides these KEY reports, and besides the USA weather, Indian wheat harvest has begun under less than ideal conditions, and this article suggest farmers may face delays in getting cash for their new crop. http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/wheat-procurement-from-apr-1-state-awaitsfunds/214368.html

Kansas Wheat market update #214 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/25/16 pg. 4 38

Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2016

Anyways, these posted bids didn’t move much this week, but I think they will be quite a bit different next Friday.

Date 03/25 03/18 03/11 03/04 02/26 02/19 02/12 Date 03/25 03/18 03/11 03/04 02/26 02/19 02/12 BASIS 03/25 03/18 03/11 03/04 02/26 02/19 02/12 Date 03/25 03/18 03/11 03/04 02/26 02/19 02/12

Dodge $3.97 $3.95 $4.08 $3.94 $3.78 $3.92 $3.79 Concordia $4.07 $4.05 $4.23 $4.07 $3.92 $4.07 $3.94 Dodge -75 -75 -75 -75 -65 -65 -65 Concordia -66 -66 -60 -62 -50 -50 -50

Colby $4.09 $4.07 $4.21 $4.07 $3.88 $4.02 $3.89 Salina $4.22-$4.22 $4.20-$4.20 $4.38-$4.38 $4.24-$4.24 $4.03-$4.08 $4.17-$4.22 $4.04-$4.09 Colby -63 -63 -62 -62 -55 -55 -55 Salina -51, -51 -51, -51 -45, -45 -45, -45 -40, -35 -40, -35 -40, -35

Goodland $4.06 $4.04 $4.19 $4.04 $3.84 $3.99 $3.86 Hutchinson $4.03-$4.30 $4.01-$4.30 $4.14-$4.43 $3.98-$4.29 $3.81-$4.13 $3.95-$4.27 $3.82-$4.14 Goodland -66 -66 -64 -65 -58 -58 -58 Hutchinson -70, -41 -70, -41 -69, -40 -71, -40 -62, -30 -62, -30 -62, -30

Protection $4.02 $4.00 $4.13 $3.99 $3.83 $3.97 $3.84 Wichita $4.03-$4.32 $4.13-$4.30 $4.26-$4.43 $4.08-$4.29 $3.89-$4.11 $4.03-$4.25 $3.90-$4.12 Protection -70 -70 -70 -70 -60 -60 -60 Wichita -58, -41 -58, -41 -57, -40 -61, -40 -54, -33 -54, -33 -54, -33

Scott City $3.97 $3.94 $4.08 $3.94 $3.77 $3.92 $3.79 Ark City $4.07 $4.05 $4.18 $4.04 $3.88 $4.02 $3.89 Scott City -75 -75 -75 -75 -65 -65 -65 Ark City -66 -66 -65 -65 -55 -55 -55

Sublette $3.97-$4.02 $3.95-$4.00 $4.08-$4.13 $3.96-$3.91 $3.73-$3.78 $3.87-$3.92 $3.74-$3.79

Sublette -75, -70 -75, -70 -75, -70 -73, -70 -70, -65 -70, -65 -70, -65

This week, and this Thursday especially, will be important to wheat prices this season.

Maltby Market Analysis is provided weekly to members of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers via email. To become a KAWG member and subscribe, please contact Jordan Hildebrand at jhildebrand@kswheat.com.

Kansas Wheat market update #214 danmaltby.riskmgmt@gmail.com 03/25/16 pg. 5

Rediscover WHE AT | APRIL 2016 39

Upcoming Events MAY 2016 • Hard Winter Wheat Tour, May 2, 2016 to May 5, 2016, - Wheat Quality Tours actually tour the wheat crops in the fields. These tours give you first-hand experience and understanding of the quality of this year's wheat crop even before it is harvested.

• Kansas Wheat Day, May 26, 2016, K-State Agricultural Research Center-Hays, 1232 240th Ave, Hays, KS 67601

JUNE 2016 • Wheat Foods Council Summer Meeting, June 22, 2016, Westin Downtown Denver Monday, June 20, 2016 - Executive Committee meeting Tuesday, June 21 - Educational Tours Wednesday, June 22 - WFC board meeting. 8am – 3pm