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Wheat producers turn to website for planting information
Texas
The Texas Wheat Producers Board (TWPB) reminds producers that the first step to having a successful crop is to begin with an informed decision on which variety of Wheat to plant.
"Producers must be armed with the latest and best agronomic research available when planning for next year's crop," said David Moore, Dumas Wheat producer and TWPB member. "As a result of the TWPB's redesigned website, this information is much easier to obtain."
The latest TWPB checkoff-funded research is posted on the website (www.texaswheat.org) the minute it becomes available. Producers can view variety trial results to see how the variety they planted last year performed and choose a variety that will best suit their needs in the next planting year. The site has updated newsletters, including topics like tips to improve the quality of farmer-saved seed and U.S. Wheat export and World Trade negotiation updates.
"Research is vital for the future of the Texas Wheat farmer, but making sure producers have access to the research is just as important," said Dr. Jackie Rudd, Wheat breeder at Texas A&M University Experiment Station in Amarillo.
The TWPB is doing its best to make sure producers have access to the latest research and information 24 hours a day, said Moore. However, the TWPB cannot do it alone. The website redesign is due to a grant from Bayer Crop Science, a long-time supporter of state Wheat organizations. Bayer Crop Science sponsored the website as an effort to increase communication between the farm community and the Texas Wheat Producers Board and Association.
The benefits of research have long been praised in the form of growing higher yields, drought and insect-tolerant wheats, less chemical use--resulting in lower input costs for producers and better quality for the end user.
Developing new varieties takes many years of research. Wheat breeders, like Dr. Jackie Rudd, look at current varieties to determine desired traits before they begin to plant crosses in greenhouses. Then, nurseries are planted with 2 ft. seed beds called head rows. Finally, field plots are planted over a number of growing seasons for breeders to select the desired traits. Many specimens are "weeded out" early on, and very few types make it to state-wide evaluation. Because of the TWPB's continued commitment to research, new varieties are available nearly every season.
"We hope producers will turn to our site first, not only when looking for planting information, but also for news, futures quotes and even current weather," said Moore.
Additional features of the TWPB website include: Doane and Reuters news, futures quotes and charts, county LDP rates, current weather, up-to-date Texas and U.S. Wheat crop reports and USDA reports.
Date: 8/26/04
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