Research is fundamental to the ability of our farmers to maintain long-term viability and to ensure our ability to meet our society’s need for safe, nutritious, and affordable food supplies while remaining competitive in global markets.

• Producers invest almost $1 million annually of their own dollars through the Oregon Wheat Commission into research work with Oregon State University, Washington State University, Wheat Marketing Center, and the Western Wheat Quality Lab.
• Grower assessment funds support evaluation and further development of new high yielding disease resistant varieties, expansion of weed control programs, and continuation of critical disease research.
• Increasing future wheat yields through research is critical to meeting the needs of the world’s increasing population and the public’s desire for affordable food. It is also necessary to maintain the economic benefits and jobs supported by the wheat industry.
• The continued research focus is essential for allowing growers the best access to tools and an increase in profitability.
  

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The Commission annually solicits proposals for research projects that will provide direct benefit to Oregon wheat producers. These proposals are then presented to Commission members at the annual research review for prioritization. Final decisions are made through the budget process. For any questions on the research proposal process, please contact tsimpson@oregonwheat.org.

GENERAL TIMELINE

• Pre-proposal deadline: December
• OWC staff review of proposals: December-January
• Full proposal invitation: January
• Anticipated Commission review of full proposals: February/March
• Anticipated Commission decision on proposals: May
• Contracts Executed: June
• Project Execution: July 1 through June 30

QUESTIONS/CONTACT

Contact the Commission office with any questions at 503-467-2161.

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There is a wide range of U.S. public and commercial breeding programs working to develop wheat classes and varieties adapted to the production constraints in different regions while meeting customer end-use needs.

With the leading wheat varieties in Oregon and Washington, Oregon State University is a leading partner with Oregon Wheat. The OSU Wheat Breeding Program has a long standing reputation for success. Each year, OSU tests more than 40,000 genetically distinct lines specifically for the Pacific Northwest. With wheat breeding, quality testing, and extension, OSU is uniquely equipped to meet the needs of the farmer, the miller, and the baker.

Other partners in the PNW include the University of Idaho, Washington State University, Western Wheat Quality Lab at WSU and State Commodity and Grower Associations.

Learn more about how wheat breeding programs at Oregon State University focus on quality traits, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to a wide range of growing environments here.

SEE HOW VARIETIES ARE PERFORMING
Find 2021 Oregon Wheat and Barley Yield Trial Data here.

If your operation has corn production as an opportunity, it is critical to consider breaking the disease cycle with a non-grass crop following corn. When possible, tillage following the corn rotation before planting wheat is highly encouraged to help bury and break down corn residue and reduce the inoculum source. Watch the short field day video about Fusarium head blight or access the document outlining recommended actions from OSU here. This document is compiled as a follow up to the video, and is aimed as an informational resource for producers who plan to plant winter wheat, directly following corn.

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Resilient Dryland Farming Appropriation: Pushing the Boundaries of the Dryland Wheat Production System

Christina H. Hagerty – Cereal Pathology, Oregon State University (OSU) - April 2021

The Resilient Dryland Farming Appropriation (RDFA) is a new federally funded project at the USDA-ARS Columbia Plateau Conservation Research Center and the OSU Columbia Basin Agricultural Research Center. The RDFA funds were secured through legislative efforts by Oregon wheat growers and stakeholders. The appropriation brings an impressive $2M to the Agency annually, with 75% of funds allocated to USDA-ARS, and 25% of funds to OSU.

The RDFA research objectives are grower-driven. The project design was defined by a dialogue between Oregon wheat growers, ARS scientists, and OSU researchers. The ultimate goal of the RDFA is to increase resiliency and profitability in the dryland wheat cropping system. Profitability is a term that resonates widely. Our aim to improve the overall profit margin of the Oregon wheat cash crop while enhancing resiliency. Resiliency in this context speaks to the robustness of dryland wheat production systems including climate variability, market volatility, weather, and other unpredictable challenges.

Read More Here.