2. . P.O. Box 25065 Lansing, MI 48909 • toll free: 1-888-WHEAT01 (943-2801) • fax: 517-625-6061
Michigan Wheat Program
David Milligan
Chairman
Farm: Milligan Farms, LLC
Location: Cass City (District 7)
Crops Grown: wheat, corn, soybeans, dry beans
David Milligan farms in Cass City, located in Michigan’s “thumb” and serves as Chairman of the board.
He played an important role on the temporary committee of wheat farmers who drafted guidelines and worked to gain passage of
the wheat check-off. Milligan has been chairman of the board since its inception. He once served on Michigan’s Dry Bean Commission
and was Chair of the American Dry Bean Board.
Milligan serves as a board member on the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG), reflecting Michigan’s new clout in the national wheat organization.
He also represents Michigan on NAWG’s Research Committee and is on the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Wheat Committee.
Michigan Wheat Producers:
Welcome to the Inaugural Annual Report for the Michigan Wheat Program!
Several years ago, a group of farmers, crop consultants and ag leaders got together to discuss the need for more research and
education to increase the yield and quality of Michigan wheat. The movement for a grower-funded wheat program
had begun.
A lot of work went into developing the proposed wheat check-off program. It culminated with a successful vote in July 2011,
when Michigan wheat producers approved the new Michigan Wheat Program.
Gov. Rick Snyder appointed our first nine-member board later that year. Our initial board, all of whom are still serving, includes
men who are not only experienced in farming, but also in business and finance, grain elevators, the seed industry and the food
business.
Every board member is very dedicated to developing this program and ensuring the wheat industry’s success.
In March 2012, Jody Pollok-Newsom was hired as our Executive Director. She had over 15 years experience with Michigan
commodity programs, and she’s guided our board through a quick start up.
As board members, we hold your trust. We’re committed to aggressive goal-setting to seek what’s best for our industry.
I invite you to review our results to date, and join our continuing efforts to improve the Michigan wheat industry.
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
David Milligan,
Chairman, Michigan Wheat Program
3. Art Loeffler
Vice Chair
Occupation: Star of the West Milling Company
Location: Frankenmuth (District 9)
Bringing the market-side of the wheat business to
the board is Art Loeffler, president of Star of the West
Milling Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in
business from Michigan State University.
As a miller, Loeffler explains that this sector is under
increasing pressure from customers to demonstrate
sustainability and show what the industry is doing to supply food to a growing
population with limited resources.
He notes that the wheat industry is required to supply insect-free food, while at
the same time the US Environmental Protection Agency continues to eliminate
fumigants without allowing the needed time to identify a safe replacement.
Loeffler has also served as controller of Star of the West, and previously as an
internal auditor for Kraft Foods, and the Yeo & Yeo CPA firm. Loeffler played a
leadership role in the temporary committee of wheat farmers with the vision to create
the Michigan Wheat Program. He was re-appointed in 2012, and has been MWP’s
only Vice Chair.
Fun Fact: Art is a past trustee of the Hidden Harvest Food Bank, and once served as
the Volkslaufe Chairman in Frankenmuth. (You’ll have to ask him to explain it.)
The Michigan Wheat Program was created to meet the
needs of Michigan wheat growers. Its nine-member board
of directors was appointed by Gov. Rick Snyder in November
2011. The board has worked incredibly hard and met almost
every month since their inaugural meeting in December 2011.
As directors’ initial appointments expired, each has opted
to submit his name for re-appointment. The MWP board
has been very fortunate, as Gov. Snyder has approved of its
progress and re-appointed all original board members.
Read on for more about the highly-qualified individuals
leading the MWP.
WheAt: MichigAn’s neWest coMMoDity boArD
scott heussner
Treasurer
Farm: Heussner Farms
Location: Marlette (District 5)
Crops Grown: wheat, corn, soybeans,
dry beans
Scott Heussner has served as Treasurer since the
board’s first elections. He holds a bachelor’s degree
in finance from Michigan State University, a skill set
that enhances his financial responsibilities for MWP.
After graduating college, he left for the bright lights of Chicago where he worked on
the trading floor of the Chicago Board of Trade.
“It took me four years at MSU and that following summer in Chicago to realize my
heart was back on the farm,” Heussner said. “The opportunity to continue the
family farm was available, thanks to my father – and his father before him.”
“I hope to give the same opportunity to my kids, if it’s something they want to do,”
he said. Today, Heussner farms in Marlette with his father.
Fun fact: While “down time” is at a premium in modern agriculture, Heussner
enjoys spending it with his wife, Kelly, and their two children, Alex and Emma.
chris schmidt
Secretary
Farm: Schmidt Farms
Location: Auburn (District 8)
Crops Grown: wheat, corn, soybeans, oats
Chris Schmidt came back to farm in Auburn located
in the“heart of the Saginaw Valley” after earning a
bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from
Michigan Technological University in the state’s Upper
Peninsula. He is very involved in Michigan’s seed
industry and operates his seed plant just outside the
Auburn city limits.
His family farm is fourth generation having passed down on his mother’s side of the
family. Schmidt believes in the importance of adding value to the crops he produces
and adding profitability through vertical integration. “Integrate vertically, add value,
fill the niche and have fun doing it!” he says.
Schmidt served on the temporary committee that created the MWP, and was elected
the commission’s first secretary – a role he still holds. He serves as a board
member of the National Association of Wheat Growers and sits on NAWG’s
Domestic and Trade Policy Committee. Schmidt also served nine years on the
Michigan Crop Improvement Association Board of Directors – serving two years
as the association’s president.
Fun fact: Chris played 1st
chair tuba in the junior high symphony band (there was
only one tuba player), and once met Sir Richard Branson while drinking beer at the
marina on Beef Island (British Virgin Islands).
4. carl sparks
Farm: Sparks Cedarlee Farm, LLC
Location: Cassopolis (District 2)
Crops Grown: wheat, corn, soybeans, hay,
pasture
Carl Sparks farms with his family in the Cassopolis
area.
In addition to field crops, the Sparks family is also
involved in the livestock industry. The family milks
dairy cows, utilizes rotational grazing and they finish
hogs on contract.
Sparks’ farming philosophy is to plan his work, then work his plan – knowing that
God gives the increase. He earned a bachelor’s degree in crops and soil science
from Michigan State University, and is active in several farming organizations, most
recently, the Cass County Michigan Farm Bureau chairman of the Promotion &
Education Committee.
Sparks represents wheat growers in Southwest Michigan.
Fun fact: In 1974, at age 14, Sparks won the Michigan 4-H Tractor Skill Contest,
and then competed at the Eastern National in Virginia. He didn’t win at nationals,
but was quite possibly the youngest competitor.
William hunt
Farm: Hunt Farms, Inc.
Location: Davison (District 4)
Crops Grown: wheat, corn, soybeans
About farming, William Hunt says that “not all people
know what they want to do in life. I knew I wanted to
be a farmer from an early age, but I wanted to be a
good farmer. I believe farming is a passion. You either
have it or you don’t.”
“I strive for continued education for farmers, espe-
cially myself so I can do the best possible job as it relates to efficiency, marketing
and being a good steward of the land entrusted to me. I believe I have one of the
best jobs on earth... I have a part in feeding the world and I am proud to be an
American Farmer,” Hunt concluded.
In addition to serving as owner and president of Hunt Farms in Davison, Hunt is
serving his second term on the MWP board, he is on the County Committee for the
Farm Service Agency and as Vice President of the Genesee County Farm Bureau.
Fun fact: When Hunt graduated from high school he was a paraprofessional in auto
mechanics. He liked it and thought he might be a teacher. Also in the category of
good student, Hunt wrote a paper in middle school entitled, simply: “Farming.”
He got an A+, and his wife, Glenda, says it is a well-written paper even to this day!
gerald heck
Farm: Heck Farms, LLC
Location: Monroe (District 3)
Crops Grown: wheat, corn, soybeans
Gerald Heck represents wheat growers in Southeast
Michigan, where he produces row crops including
wheat. Heck’s view of farming has changed over
the years.
“I now view my role as a farmer to be a steward of the
land and a mentor to the younger farmers,” he says.
“We must remember that the health of our soils is the lifeblood of our business.”
Heck holds a B.S. in animal science from Michigan State University, and has been
widely recognized for his on-farm efforts in environmental sustainability. In 2010
he received both the Ecology Leadership Award from Monroe County Farm Bureau
and the Conservation Farm of the Year from the Monroe Soil and Water District.
Fun fact: Farming was his destiny. Heck says that he – and everyone else in high
school – always knew he was destined to be a farmer. And in the challenging world
of agriculture, Heck says a sense of humor has served him well.
Dean Kantola
Farm: Kantola Farms, Inc.
Location: Ravenna (District 1)
Crops Grown: wheat, corn, soybeans
Dean Kantola represents wheat growers on the west
side of the state, where he farms in Muskegon County.
To stay competitive with larger farms, Kantola shares
labor with his brother in the spring and the fall,
planting and harvesting their crops. The Kantolas also
jointly own their equipment.
He’s been farming since 1978, and is also a partner in Kantola Farms Trucking.
He has switched to grid sampling on the farm, as well as variable rate fertilizer
spreading to control costs.
Kantola was on the temporary wheat farmer committee that developed the MWP and
promoted it for the referendum. He was re-appointed to MWP’s board in 2012.
Fun fact: One of the things Dean enjoys when he’s not farming is standing waist-
deep in a cold river steelhead fishing with his kids.
5. Jody Pollok-newsom
MWP: Executive Director
Location: Lansing-Morrice
Hired by MWP: 2012
Jody Pollok-Newsom was hired by the Michigan
Wheat Program and began full-time as its first
executive director April 1, 2012. She brought nearly
20 years’ experience leading agricultural commodity
organizations.
As executive director of both the Michigan Corn
Growers Association and Corn Marketing Program of Michigan, Pollok-Newsom
has worked to grow commodity research programs, grower education programs,
consumer awareness, public policy positions and market opportunities for
Michigan row crop farmers for 13 years. In addition, Pollok-Newsom worked in
communications for the Cherry Industry Administrative Board, and served four years
as the Michigan Department of Agriculture liaison between all state ag commodities
under two department directors.
Pollok-Newsom holds B.S. and M.S. degrees from Michigan State University, is
married and has a 3-year-old daughter who is becoming an expert at labeling pretzel
bags for wheat events. Pollok-Newsom is an only child and is very close to her
family on their farm in Williamston.
Fun fact: Pollok-Newsom was voted “class farmer” in high school, and had
distinguished her ag roots by middle school by placing second in a single-horse,
powderpuff pull. Since 2001 she has anchored and produced the Michigan Farm
and Garden TV show.
Frank Vyskocil
Farm: Shiawassee Valley Farms
Location: New Lothrop (District 6)
Crops Grown: wheat, corn, soybeans
Frank Vyskocil brings 50 years of farming experience
to the board from his Shiawassee County farm.
Vyskocil is a third-generation farmer, and believes that
in order for his farm to remain profitable and sustain
any potential market threat, it’s important to be on
the cutting-edge in regard to technology, innovation,
fertilizer, soil management and marketing strategies.
The goal of Shiawassee Valley Farms is to have profitable yields while maintaining
a solid financial foundation. Vyskocil was re-appointed by the governor to a second
three-year term on the MWP in 2013.
Fun fact: Frank has never had a change of address in 67 years. He’s staying put!
the MWP boArD oF Directors sPent FunDs in the FoLLoWing AreAs:
■ Assessment collection 5.5%
■ Board expenses 10%
■ Communications/Education 4.5%
■ Events 15.5%
■ Office 4%
■ Professional fees 1.5%
■ Research 52%
■ Sponsorship/Membership 7%
Total spent $479,383.00
6. 1998
Michigan Farm Bureau
committee recommends
pursuing a wheat check-
off program
1999
Petitions prepared, wheat
farmer petition signatures
sought, funding secured
2000
Public hearings held,
wheat check-off program
to farmer vote
2001
Initial referendum voted
down
2003
MSU and Michigan Farm
Bureau host wheat 2020
meetings
May 2012
First assessment
collection on Michigan
wheat
Aug. 2012
First research meeting
held to solicit proposals.
5 researchers funded
oct. 2012
MWP website launched
(miwheat.org)
Dec. 2012
Board begins strategic
planning
Dec. 2012
First seed wheat
assessments collected
Dec. 2012
MWP staff and board
members began
attending winter grower
meetings
2010
Michigan Farm Bureau
and MSU Extension hold
grower meeting to pursue
a wheat check-off again
Signatures collected from
Michigan wheat farmers
to put commodity group
formation to ballot
Committee formed to
draft the program.
in the beginning . . .
→ → → → → →
→ → → → → →
Michigan farmers have talked about a wheat program for almost 20 years!
While wheat is an important crop in Michigan – 40 million bushels in an average
year – at first farmers weren’t convinced that its needs required full-time research,
education, communication, market development and promotional support.
After all, the Michigan Department of Agriculture, Michigan Farm Bureau,
Michigan State University, Michigan State University Extension and other ag
commodity groups represented many of the industry’s key concerns – as they
do to this day. Environmental issues, water use, crop insurance and many other
topics were already being addressed by these organizations.
But gradually farmers became aware that the unique crop needs of wheat – the
need to take productivity and quality to the next level – were not being addressed.
And would not be addressed unless wheat farmers took the lead to chart their
own future and have their own organization solely looking out for wheat
farmers’ interests.
The first effort for a wheat check-off program was voted down in 2001.
A recession intervened, research and program funding was cut
by other organizations and wheat farmers realized they must
fulfill their future vision through a wheat check-off program.
Then organization work began in earnest with support from
other ag organizations, millers, end users, researchers,
ag business and other key ag leaders.
This time: Success! Following is the timeline of the
historic establishment of the Michigan Wheat Program.
7. June 2011
Ballots mailed to nearly
8,000 Michigan wheat
growers
Feb. 2012
Wheat Grower Meeting
held in two locations
Jan. 2013
Request for Research
Proposals Distributed
Jun. 2013
First-ever Michigan
Wheat College
DeVeLoPing A WheAt strAtegy:
AreAs oF Focus:
Research
• Yield
• Quality
Production
• Equity
Education & Communication
• Awareness
Promotion
• Develop support for industry
Market Development
• Options for farmers
→ →sept. 2011
The Michigan Wheat
Program was approved.
(of 1,374 ballots cast,
54 percent of producers
representing 54 percent
of the state’s wheat crop
all approved.)
nov. 2011
Governor Rick Snyder
appointed first 9-member
board of Michigan Wheat
Program
Dec. 2011
Inaugural board meeting
of MWP
Feb. 2012
MWP hired first
Executive Director,
Jody Pollok-Newsom
Jan. 2013
MWP joins National
Association of Wheat
Growers
Mar. 2013
Second round of
research proposals
received, 12 were funded
in April 2013
May 2013
MSU wheat breeder
hired with MWP financial
support
Mar. 2013
MWP Annual Meeting
with more than 200 in
attendance
→ → → →
→ → → → →→
In the strategic planning process held during the winter of 2012-13, MWP
gathered together leaders including farmers, the seed industry, researchers,
millers, end users and other commodity organization staff.
“Developing our first-ever strategic plan was exciting,” says board Chairman
David Milligan. “We had a completely blank slate, and we were all mindful that
this was the only time that would be the case.”
“We wanted to set the right course for the Michigan wheat industry, which has
entrusted our board with leading us down the most profitable, productive path,”
Milligan said. “We are a year into putting this plan into action, and believe in its
tenets and are pleased with how much we have already accomplished.”
MWP Mission:
Promote a viable, thriving and growing Michigan wheat industry that includes
input suppliers, seed producers, growers, millers, end users and consumers.
8. reseArchProJectProFiLes
on-boarding the Michigan Wheat initiative
years: 2013-2014
investigator: Martin nagelkirk
budget: $20,000
MSU Extension Educator Martin Nagelkirk has been focused on wheat since 2010, as a leader
of the start-up Michigan Wheat Initiative originally funded by Michigan State University’s Project
GREEEN (Generating Research & Extension to meet Economic Needs) and MSU Extension.
The initiative was launched to improve the profitability of wheat production in Michigan through
field research and educational activities.
As the project moved past the start-up phase, Nagelkirk – whose appointment allows a 75
percent focus on wheat statewide – turned to the MWP board for financial assistance for his
operational funding and on-going research.
His 2014 work plan includes:
• on-farm wheat trials;
• fungicide efficacy, Fusarium head scab and nitrogen fertilization field trials;
• production of educational fact sheets on Fusarium head scab and foliar diseases;
• presentations at many grower programs and events;
• organization of in-season field meetings;
• numerous other educational activities with a wide range of collaborators including
coordination of MI Wheat Watchers, a volunteer network that regularly reports the status of
wheat and pests across the state to improve industry coordination.
Nagelkirk has been very helpful to the MWP. “He has been an asset to our organization as we
have developed educational programming and our research focus,” said Dave Milligan, MWP
chairman.
better measures of Michigan wheat
production practices
years: 2012
investigator: roy black
budget: $2,000
This project by MSU professor and ag economist
Roy Black seeks to provide a better understanding
of Michigan’s wheat production and more specifi-
cally the state’s wheat farmers’ practices while also
providing a benchmark of the state of the industry at
the time of the referendum.
Black will bring more statistical information about
what is happening on the state’s wheat land and what
technology farmers are utilizing on their crops. He is
able to utilize the results of the surveys farmers com-
pleted during the referendum vote to get a snapshot
of what wheat production looks like in the state.
Once Black has that snapshot, he can compare how
things have changed and look at trends for produc-
tion practices, tillage methods, inputs utilized and
varieties grown for both red and white wheat.
The Michigan Wheat Program board of directors
plans to utilize this information in further focusing
their research to make sure projects get funded that
make the most difference to the state’s farmers.
to control sprouting: go where the “wild” wheat is
year: 2013
investigators: Dr. eric olson, Dr. Perry K.W. ng
budget: $30,202
This proposal was funded to address the lack of pre-harvest sprouting resistant genetic material in modern elite soft white winter wheat breeding lines. The
partnership of Dr. Eric Olson, of Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, and Dr. Perry Ng of MSU’s Department of
Food Science and Human Nutrition seeks to identify genes for pre-harvest sprouting resistance from the most recent ancestor of wheat (Aegilops tauschii)
and use traditional breeding to transfer those genes to MSU wheat lines.
Clearly, having wheat with a stronger resistance to sprouting would increase the falling numbers (i.e., higher falling number values indicate lower degree of
sprouting), while still maintaining other desirable traits, and will have a positive impact on the quality of wheat grown in Michigan (and elsewhere) and also
on farmers’ willingness to include wheat in the rotation.
Researchers will use a population in which chromosome segments have been substituted for modern wheat chromosomes. The project will identify which
chromosome segments contribute to pre-harvest sprouting resistance. Currently, about 1,200 wheat breeding lines are being grown, studied and analyzed
for sprouting tendency, falling numbers, milling and other quality parameters.
New sources of genetic resistance to pre-harvest sprouting and maintenance of a high falling number will help reduce the risk associated with growing
white wheat in Michigan, ultimately ensuring farmers get the highest possible return on their crop
The MWP board is focused on research as one of the industry’s highest priorities. Research was one of the key
priorities identified in launching the wheat check-off, and it was re-affirmed during strategic planning when grower
meetings identified quality and yield as their two biggest challenges.
Read the project profiles on the next few pages to get a quick summary of what’s underway for MWP-funded research.
9. using ‘n’ to its best advantage
year: 2012-2013-2014
investigators: Dr. Kurt steinke
budget: $5,142 (Aug. 2012)
$25,517 (April 2013)
Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient for wheat
production, yet Michigan farmers may not be using
enough of it or may be using N at the wrong time
potentially leaving profits on the table and residual
N in the field after harvest.
Too little nitrogen ultimately reduces yields through
poor tillering and protein production yet too much or
poorly timed N creates excessive vegetative growth
leading to increased disease potential in
addition to lodging and quality problems.
Dr. Kurt Steinke, of MSU’s Department of Plant, Soil
and Microbial Sciences began addressing this issue
with MWP funding in 2012. He began looking at
the optimum timing, rate and formulation for N
applications to ‘Red Ruby’ soft red winter wheat.
Michigan wheat farmers have traditionally applied N
at spring green-up, yet some farmers’ experimentation
indicates that this may be too early to be effective.
A few farmers are applying urea-ammonium nitrate
(UAN) when flag leaf tips are just visible and reporting
yields over 100 bushels per acre.
Steinke has also observed that sulfur deposits from
the atmosphere (i.e. acid rain) have decreased in the
US by 75 percent since the 1990s. While good for the
environment, this may have had a negative impact on
wheat’s ability to utilize nitrogen.
Several states east of the Mississippi have reported
increased productivity of 4-10 bushels per acre when
ammonium sulfate was used as the source of nitrogen.
Steinke has designed pilot tests to explore these
anecdotal reports, looking for optimum nitrogen-sulfur
combinations and the best timing in the lifecycle of the
wheat crop for N application, either as UAN, urea or
ammonium sulfate.
Steinke has completed his first year of research and is
doing additional work again funded by the Michigan
Wheat Program to compare results over multiple years,
but so far his research has been very promising when
it comes to increasing yields with additional applica-
tions and rates of nitrogen.
For the 2013-14 year, Steinke has received addi-
tional funding to duplicate his research, but will also
be focusing on planting date, N rate, and N timing
interactions to allow individual wheat growers to cater
specific N management programs according to how
wheat looks coming out of winter dormancy given the
weather conditions of the growing season.
Double time: Wheat breeding on the hustle
year: 2013-2014
investigators: Dr. eric olson
budget: $38,320
By forging a novel public-private, Michigan-Kansas partnership, the Michigan Wheat Program is bringing
a significant improvement in technology to the MSU wheat breeding program. A big expansion in number
of wheat strains under review in Michigan – including elite varieties – will be achieved in a single year,
something that has not been possible in the past.
MWP funding of this project enables MSU’s winter wheat breeding program and its new wheat breeder Dr.
Eric Olson to make great strides in a short time by partnering with Heartland Plant Innovations in Manhattan,
Kansas. Heartland employs a unique, highly-technical process to develop genetically uniform wheat
breeding lines.
The process involves pollinating wheat with maize, which effectively drops a wheat strain’s chromosome
number in half. A chemical treatment then doubles the chromosome number, creating genetic uniformity in
that strain. This is called doubled haploid technology and it greatly shortens the wheat breeding cycle, an
advantage that was not previously available to the MSU wheat breeding program. Wheat lines produced by this
method are uniform and immediately ready for field testing.
Doubled haploids allow wheat breeders to move new traits into elite wheat lines quickly in response to
production challenges. With doubled haploid breeding, a new line can be identified and evaluated in three or
four years. MSU currently requires four or five years to identify genetically uniform lines, and up to seven years
to see the results of the genetic crosses.
This project, supported by the MWP, will create 2,000 doubled haploid, genetically uniform wheat breeding
lines to be further tested.
90n gu
nitrogen Plot Work May 22, 2013
45n gu, 45n gs5
135n gu 90n gu, 45n gs5
10. taking another go at breeding wheat for
fusarium head blight resistance
year: 2013
investigator: Dr. Frances trail, Dr. eric olson
budget: $12,000
Another important wheat disease is scab brought on
by Fusarium graminearum. It particularly infects
individual kernels in wheat seedheads during
flowering, and is likely to grow further down the stalk
and stem.
Scab infection in wheat also leads to formation of
mycotoxins that are dangerous to animals and people.
Controlling Fusarium has frustrated wheat breeders
for years and breeding to avoid it has had minimal
success. Trail, a professor in the Department of Plant
Biology, has focused on scab disease for several
years in multiple crops.
She is particularly interested in natural plant
phenomenon that prevents scab fungi from spreading,
dispersing its spores and thereby multiplying in the
environment. The manner in which scab infiltrates the
wheat kernel is through the dying anther, which leaves
very tiny gaps in the seedhead tissue.
Yet in the scab-susceptible wheat cultivar Norm, 25
percent of the seedheads never developed scab. Trail
discovered these kernels had the ability to shut down
the scab infiltration by creating pectin “plugs” for
these tiny gaps.
Trail’s theory is that the very act of the fungal invasion
triggers some wheat kernels to “wall off” the invader
by moving pectin from the inter-cellular space into the
plant cellular vessels that Fusarium travels through.
This prevents the Fusarium from spreading further
into other kernels.
New techniques and new wheat cultivars that optimize
the pectin-producing abilities of a wheat seedhead
would be a natural and highly effective way of
shutting down the spread of scab, and the resulting
mycotoxins, both of which can render a harvest
significantly less valuable.
Trail and Olson are working on identifying a group of
genes with some relationship to the pectin-producing
response to scab fungus in soft winter wheat.
By the end of the funding period, Trail and Olson
anticipate having a group of genes that enhance
resistance to wheat scab. Experiments have been
done on the Norm wheat line, and in the future will
look at other soft white winter wheat varieties that
have some resistance.
Their goal is to trigger wheat to display scab resistance
by halting the fungal infection at very early stages of
disease development.
Msu hires wheat breeder to advance industry
year: 2013-2014-2015
budget: $25,000, $25,000, $25,000
Another key to improving the productivity and profitability of wheat in Michigan is supporting the Michigan
State University wheat breeding and genetics program.
MSU’s wheat breeder left the university in 2011, leaving the state’s millers and end users concerned about the
future of wheat research here, most notably for soft white winter wheat commonly used in cereal, cakes, cookies
and crackers.
The soft white wheat grown primarily in states east of the Mississippi and Ontario has seen acreage sharply
decline. The same class of wheat is grown in large quantities in the Northwestern US, but its processing
qualities are different and the trucking distance is too far for Michigan-based processors such as Kellogg
Company, Mondelez, General Mills, Chelsea Milling, Star of the West and Knappen Milling to make economic
sense except in times of significant disease or sprout.
Fearing a decline in the quantity and quality of Michigan wheat, the millers and end users established the Eastern
Soft White Wheat Council (ESWWC) that funded an endowment which, in part, supports the MSU breeder.
MWP was able to partner with the Michigan Crop Improvement Association and ESWWC; each put $25,000
annually for three years into that position. MSU filled the position and hired Dr. Eric Olson who received his
doctorate in genetics from Kansas State University in 2012. His dissertation was on wheat breeding and he has
an extensive background in wheat genetics.
Olson is targeting high yield potential, exceptional quality and disease resistance for improving soft white and
red winter wheat for Michigan. He has been a collaborator on at least seven MWP-funded research projects in
the last year, which represented funding above and beyond the financial support of the position.
Such collaborative support ensures a strong partnership between the direction of the breeding program and
MWP’s priorities. It also speaks clearly to the MSU administration that Michigan’s wheat industry puts its
money where its needs are.
Olson’s lab performs about 700 crosses per year, plus the 2000 new lines from the MWP-funded doubled
haploid research.
11. Wheat strains: Picking out the good guys sooner
year: 2013
investigators: Dr. Perry K.W. ng, Dr. eric olson
budget: $42,764
Recognizing the fact that 80 percent of all white winter wheat grown in Michigan
comes from seed lines developed by MSU wheat breeders, this joint project between
the Departments of Plant, Soil & Microbial Sciences and Food Science & Human
Nutrition, was proposed to strengthen the breeding program.
Ng’s and Olson’s second joint project funded by the MWP board expands the tools
available to evaluate promising new wheat varieties sooner in the breeding-to-
market process.
In general, a breeder needs 10 to 14 years to release a variety to growers. Currently,
there are two checkpoints along the road to development.
A couple of years into the process, MSU’s Wheat Breeding Program selects and
submits about 150 wheat seed lines for micro-testing to the USDA Soft Wheat
Laboratory in Ohio.
The Ohio lab – which is inundated with testing from numerous state breeding
programs – conducts limited trials on wheat milling and baking qualities. The
results are used to winnow down the 150 breeding lines from MSU.
The next testing occurs about two years prior to market introduction, when six to
eight potential new varieties are extensively tested for grain, milling and baking
properties.
Ng and Olson believe a midway evaluation point – perhaps four to six years into the
breeding work – done in Michigan might yield other promising seedlines. For ex-
ample, the midway evaluation point could identify lines with good solvent retention
capacity, flour viscosity and cookie-baking properties much earlier in the process.
Ng’s and Olson’s proposal involves conducting midway evaluations at the MSU
Cereal Science Laboratory, looking at 30 to 40 varieties. They’ll select first for
desirable falling numbers, and then mill the grain for additional analyses.
To the extent that better information can be developed on new seedlines earlier in
the process, the MSU wheat breeding program can be even more effective for the
state’s farmers.
testing high-management strategies on wheat productivity
year: 2013-2014
investigators: Lee siler, eric olson
budget: $13,227-year one & $20,000-year two
As the debate emerges between high-management and traditional wheat
production strategies, researcher Eric Olson and technician Lee Siler of the MSU
Department of Plant, Soil & Microbial Sciences gathered data in 2013 on both
approaches at the Tuscola County research plot near Richville.
The trials were comprehensive, involving all 93 commercial varieties and
experimental wheat seed lines that were included in the 2012-13 MSU Wheat
State Performance Trials. Every variety had eight plots, four each in the high-
management and unmanaged protocols.
The high-management protocol included early spring nitrogen application, “first
node” nitrogen application and herbicide; “full flag” or “flag leaf emergence”
fungicide; and fungicide when heading was complete or when flowering began.
Results were included in the 2013 Wheat Performance Trial data, which was
released in August, 2013. It is posted on MWP’s website at http://www.miwheat.
org/2013-variety-trial-information/.
In this first year, high-management trials yielded 112 bushels per acre – 18
percent more than the unmanaged plot at the same location – while average test
weight was 59.9 for high managed wheat versus 59.2 for conventional wheat.
While the results are promising, farmers are cautioned that you should review at
least three years of data when making planting decisions as this presents a wider
range of potential weather and disease challenges. In order to provide that
additional data, the MWP has again funded high management plots and Olson
and Siler have expanded the program to three sites.
In the fall of 2013, plans were made to take the research protocols developed at
Richville and expand them to include the 2013-14 wheat breeding trials at the
Ingham/Mason, Lenawee and Tuscola county plots.
As in 2013, every commercial and research variety in the 2014 MSU Wheat State
Performance Trial will have three plots each of high management and unmanaged,
but this time the tests will extend to all three locations. Results will be available in
early August 2014.
the leading edge: research on healthier wheat
year: 2013
investigators: Dr. Perry K.W. ng, Dr. eric olson
budget: $20,647.50
While fresh produce has stolen much of the limelight when it comes to healthy antioxidants and phenolic compounds in a daily diet, it turns out that cereal grains might
also have something healthy to offer! If researchers can figure out which healthy properties are triggered by plant genetics or the growing environment, wheat breeders
can narrow their genetic selections for making their choices for breeding.
Consumption of whole grain products is growing in North America, in part due to their role in reducing the risk of chronic ailments such as cardiovascular disease.
These beneficial effects are attributed both to fiber and the unique phytochemicals, mainly phenolic compounds, present in grains. Phenolic compounds have antioxidant
properties and are able to scavenge free radicals at the cellular level, which helps prevent some diseases.
While considerable data exists on these benefits in soybeans, there is still much to be learned about how the industry can grow and mill wheat with higher phenolic levels.
Both European and Canadian studies have found genetic diversity in phenolic content among wheat strains, and the food-processing industry is now beginning to talk
about wheat lines with enhanced phenolic content that leads to improved nutraceutical qualities.
This project by Dr. Perry Ng, of MSU’s Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, seeks to better analyze phenolic content and antioxidant activity of multiple milled
wheat components and several different wheat breeding lines.
Ng and Olson plan to associate phenolic content and antioxidant activity with environmental conditions and specific wheat strains, with the ultimate goal of breeding
wheat for these healthy whole-grain properties that are becoming very desirable in the marketplace and by consumers. Hopefully the funding by the MWP board will allow
them to more quickly identify these varieties and get them to growers.
12. stimulating wheat productivity with
oilseed radish
year: 2012-2013
investigators: Dale Mutch & Dean baas
budget: $6,000 (2012)
$7,500 (2013)
Dale Mutch and Dean Baas set out in 2012 to prove
whether or not oilseed radish (OSR) enhances wheat
yields when the two crops are planted simultaneously.
Anecdotal farmer stories indicated that it does, but no true
scientific trials had proven it on the same field.
Researchers selected wheat farms in Bay City, Ravenna
and Centreville on which to run side-by-side plots of
wheat interseeded with OSR and wheat not interseeded.
At harvest, researchers weighed stalks and biomass, and
found that on all three farms the OSR interseeded with
wheat trials increased wheat yield.
On average across the three farms, OSR-wheat increased
yields 3.6 bushels per acre, with head mass increasing
nearly 3 percent. Although one of the farms had a
decreased head mass result, the overall average was
still 3 percent.
OSR was planted at 3 pounds per acre. The yield increase
was most pronounced the earlier the planting date.
The additional cost to include OSR in 2012 was $8.60 per
acre, and assuming a wheat price of $6.60 per bushel the
addition of OSR increased net income by $15.16 per acre.
In 2013, the experiment has been expanded to five
locations across Michigan adding the MSU W.K. Kellogg
Biological Station and a farm in Monroe County.
This year’s projects will focus on determining the best
OSR seeding rate (1, 3 or 3.5 lbs. per acre) and the impact
of growing conditions on the consistency of the results.
These trials were planted in the fall of 2013.
Project funds innovative disease, insect sample program at Msu
years: 2013
investigator: Jan byrne
budget: $2,497
A particularly innovative project of the MWP is providing wheat farmers with financial support for and timely
access to the well-respected Michigan State University Plant Diagnostic Laboratory.
In April 2013, the MWP board of directors decided to partner with the MSU Plant Diagnostic Lab and financially
support the program in order to expand Michigan wheat farmers’ crop evaluation submissions.
MSU’s Plant Diagnostic Laboratory diagnoses general crop health, cultures fungal and bacterial pathogens,
tests for viruses, analyzes nematodes, and detects and identifies insect pests. In many cases, the lab recom-
mends mitigation or crop improvement strategies, which are sent to growers via e-mail.
At the end of the growing season, results of the lab’s diagnoses of wheat queries were compiled into data
reviewed by Dr. Jan Byrne for any trends or possible new disease or pest issues. Dr. Byrne found some traditional
challenges, but also found some new disease issues that farmers need to be prepared for including bacterial
mosaic and tan spot.
“We believe the data generated from the diagnostic lab will help the board evaluate future research projects, or
guide us to seek out new projects to deal with emerging issues,” said MWP chairman Dave Milligan. “The board
felt that by monitoring the health and welfare of the crop, we would be able to advance future crops even more.”
For its part, the lab will pro-actively seek 15 samples for early-season viral testing, and another 10 samples for
viral testing after the wheat heading phase. MSU Extension wheat specialist Martin Nagelkirk will also facilitate
collection of these samples and assist in the development of messaging and information for growers to make
sure they are prepared for the coming year.
The board voted to continue its funding in 2014. Growers who have an undiagnosed problem with their crop
this coming spring and summer should visit miwheat.org and click on the Diagnostic Services Submittal Form.
MWP supports MAeAP verification for environmental, marketing benefits
Helping growers take on the voluntary Michigan Ag Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) was an early
goal of the Michigan Wheat Program.
MAEAP is a proactive way for farmers to assure neighbors and communities that their farms are engaged in
good environmental practices. MAEAP verifications have been ongoing since 2002 and in 2011 became part
of Michigan law, as the first legislation signed by Gov. Rick Snyder.
To encourage wheat farmers to become MAEAP-verified, the MWP board has voted to pay a one-time $50
incentive to each wheat farmer who completes the three-phase process.
“The Wheat Program Board is supporting MAEAP because we thought it was very important that we jump on
board with other commodity organizations to show our support,” said Dean Kantola, MWP board member and
a MAEAP-verified farmer himself.
“MAEAP verification is a visible sign of wheat farmers’ longstanding commitment to environmentally-
responsible agriculture,” Kantola said.
The requirements of MAEAP are the result of a collaborative, years-long effort of farmers, MDARD, Michigan
Farm Bureau, commodity organizations, conservation districts, conservation groups, and state and federal
agencies. About 1,600 Michigan farms have earned the MAEAP seal.
Another MAEAP-verified wheat farm is that of MWP board member Carl Sparks of Cassopolis.
“The public is very concerned about managing manure – and we are, too. We wanted to do everything right,
so that was a big incentive to get involved in MAEAP,” said Sparks, who also grazes dairy cattle.
“Everyone who raises wheat raises something else,” Sparks said. “We want to do our part to strengthen
agriculture, and the Wheat Program board believes that MAEAP is a good way to govern ourselves as farmers.”
Both Sparks and Kantola believe verification was well worth the time invested. MAEAP assists farmers in
making environmentally-sustainable business decisions while allowing them to work with MDARD MAEAP
verifiers about possible fixes for any issues or potential future issues on their farms, which is increasingly
difficult given changing regulations.
While the MAEAP process is free, MWP board members recognize that it may be time-consuming for many
farmers. As a result, the board agreed to offer the one-time $50 financial award for documented wheat farmers
(one award per farmer, not per farm) who are currently growing wheat and obtaining their first verification in
MAEAP.
13. MichigAn WheAt hAs MArKet ADVAntAges: WiLL We groW More oF it?
One of the unique features of the Michigan Wheat Program has been the strong guidance of the industry by visionary farmers,
millers and end-users of Michigan wheat. One thing that all of them see is that Michigan-grown soft white and red winter wheat
have some key market advantages.
Eastern wheat preferred
There’s no question that Michigan wheat has a strong foothold in the domestic market. One of the reasons Michigan wheat is
well-positioned in the marketplace is because Eastern-grown soft winter wheat has a distinctive profile and is preferred in recipes
used by many manufacturers of cereal, cakes, cookies and crackers.
Wheat grown in the Northwestern US is not a simple substitute in manufacturers’ recipes. Additionally, most manufacturers don’t
like to change suppliers and introduce variability into a finished consumer good. Consistent supply is very important.
Proximity to market
A second strength for Michigan wheat is proximity to market. Even if their recipes could tolerate substitutions, Michigan
manufacturers would rather not incur the higher costs associated with shipping Western wheat here to be processed, especially
given all the processors in our state.
And Michigan happens to be home to some very heavy-hitters – major processors who turn the state’s wheat crop into well-known
consumer brands. Processors with a strong presence in the state include:
Kellogg Company • Kraft Foods • General Mills • Chelsea Milling • Jiffy • Mondelez International • Nabisco •
Star of the West • Knappen Milling • King Milling • Mennel Milling
Decreasing acreage elsewhere
Michigan soft winter wheat production is up modestly and has remained relatively stable. Other Eastern wheat-producing regions
including Ontario and New York, have decreased their acreage of white wheat, as has Michigan. This shift from white wheat to red
wheat is something the market will watch.
Must MAKe DoLLArs AnD sense
From the growers’ perspective, the market can be as strong as Hercules, but if wheat isn’t profitable for a farmer he won’t plant it.
One of the key goals of the MWP is to increase productivity and profitability for wheat growers through scientific discovery.
Research has been funded to determine how farm productivity may be enhanced by including wheat in a rotation, including
second-crop soybeans after wheat harvest and interseeding soybeans into wheat.
A significant frontier for research is high-management of wheat. Can the right levels of fungicide, herbicides, nitrogen and
fertilizer in the correct formulation at the proper time, and possibly irrigation increase yields? Will those increases more than
offset increased input costs and provide the best return on the land for the farmer?
And from the millers’ perspective, advances in Michigan’s wheat crop must include fewer quality issues and the maintenance of a
strong, reliable supply that is of high quality and has good milling and baking properties.
Both ends of this supply chain – grower and end-user – have unique concerns that have come together in shared support for the
Michigan Wheat Program.
These concerns are the opportunities that form the bull’s eye for the projects and priorities of the Michigan Wheat Program.
MWP is the basis for a strong, growing partnership.
groWers Must be coVereD
Another issue of importance to growers is the lack of appropriate coverage of losses through crop insurance. The MWP has been
working with state partners to share information with the Risk Management Agency, as to the shortfalls of crop insurance and
coverage of losses due to sprout and falling numbers. Changes were made to the program by RMA to fill that gap, but those
changes are not enough, so the MWP is still pursuing additional, more aggressive changes.
WheAtMArKetDeVeLoPMent
14. creAting tAiLoreD LeArning oPPortunities For WheAt groWers
Education and communications are one of the main program areas that commodity organizations like the MWP are allowed
to engage in, under Michigan’s Public Act 232, the enabling legislation for most commodity check-offs. Education and
communications are important for growers, but also for consumers.
MWP has used check-off funds to support unique wheat education programs that growers weren’t previously receiving from
private industry or universities. As research results become available, the MWP will be providing that information back
to growers and sharing the recommendations resulting from the research. MWP is also beginning to develop consumer
messages that build the profile of Michigan wheat farmers and the state’s wheat industry, as well as creating messaging on
healthy diets and consumption of wheat products.
estAbLish A Presence & iDentity
Early work to establish the organization was spent
in the development of a logo to encapsulate the
strong, tradition of wheat production and the
long history of wheat in civilization. Even
though the MWP is looking for cutting-edge
advances in production, it is still an industry
with a long tradition of
supplying markets in and
out of state and across the
US and world. In fact, as
growers know wheat is
one of the crops without
advancement through bio-
technology utilizing traditional breeding instead.
As time drew near for assessment collection, elevators,
millers and first purchasers across the state were visited and
assessment information was left behind after explanation about the program and its goals. It was a good opportunity to leave
behind some wheat products (pretzels), establish some relationships and answer questions.
groWer eDucAtion ProgrAMs
While this MWP-sponsored “college” didn’t offer 2- or 4-year degrees, it did provide advanced wheat education sessions for
farmers wanting to take their wheat production to the next level.
Held in June 2013, MWP brought the well-known Farm Journal Wheat College to Michigan for the first time to an
audience of about 130. The Farm Journal colleges attract hundreds of producers in the nation’s heartland. Wheat sessions
in Michigan included:
• plant health • stand evaluation • nitrogen timing • yield • combine preparation • a preview of possible new varieties
Also in keeping up with educational opportunities, MWP board members and staff attended meetings and plot tours across the
state. Someone is always available to share the latest information. Call if you have interest.
coMMunicAtion&eDucAtion
Michigan Wheat Program
15. Annual meeting offers winter education options
March 6, 2013, was the date for MWP’s first annual winter grower meeting, and it
proved to be education on steroids for more than 200 attendees interested in
learning more about wheat production in Michigan.
In a day-long session just outside Lansing, wheat growers had the opportunity
to learn about intensive-management wheat systems from Dr. David Hooker of
the University of Guelph-Ridgetown, Ontario. Other topics discussed included
cover crops, how wheat benefits crop rotation, the national wheat scene, a
check-off update, a grower panel on how to achieve higher yields, an overview of
the milling industry and update from the Dean of the MSU College of Agriculture
and Natural Resources.
informing growers about MWP
Jody Pollok-Newsom and MWP board members represented the organization at
a variety of farm venues during 2012 and 2013.
The Michigan Wheat Program first developed a trade show booth and a brochure
which were used at grower meetings, industry meetings and winter events. MWP
representatives spoke at regional meetings, the Growing Michigan Agriculture
Conference, the Michigan Millers Association meetings, the Michigan
AgriBusiness Association Winter Conference and several other venues.
MWP also partnered with organizations like the Michigan Crop Improvement
Association to have a presence at Ag Expo.
In addition, executive director Jody Pollok-Newsom has written frequent columns
and articles about the program’s accomplishments and priorities for Michigan
Farmer, Farmers Advance, Michigan Farm News and other trade publications.
Several press releases have also been issued to print, radio and television media
regarding the importance of the crop, upcoming meetings, research and other
pertinent information.
Pollok-Newsom has talked about wheat on WJR Radio in Detroit for the Greening
of the Great Lakes program, Michigan Business Network internet radio program
and on numerous occasions for Michigan Farm Radio Network.
Wheat-focused television shows have aired on the Michigan Farm & Garden Show,
which is a weekly TV show airing on seven Michigan stations. Three separate
shows have been developed that highlight production, research, milling, final
products, markets and nutrition.
The articles, radio and TV shows have generated thousands of grower impressions
about the new Michigan Wheat Program.
16. consuMer eDucAtion
Wheat is the newest consumer diet taboo, according to some sources. Many women’s magazines contain interviews with celebrities who’ve
gone “gluten-free” and “feel so much better.” Likely, these same celebs gave up red meat, white sugar and corn syrup and followed the
Atkins, South Beach and cabbage soup diets in previous years.
While the gluten-free fad is unlikely to take hold with the average American, gluten-free products have become a $4.2 billion business
for US grocery stores in 2012. Most stores have established a gluten-free product section – despite the fact that only approximately
0.5 percent of Americans have celiac disease and a gluten intolerance.
Wheat growers nationwide believe in the healthfulness of wheat and all its by-products, as an important part of a daily diet for thousands
of years in all cultures. Wheat is a very important part of a balanced diet.
MWP must tell the story of wheat production, its importance to Michigan’s economy and defend its healthfulness for the vast majority
of consumers.
The organization took its first step in that direction during 2012-2013 by becoming members with several other commodity organizations of
the Mi Ag Council and pursuing the Pure Michigan, Pure Michigan Agriculture and Pure Michigan Farmer programs. That work will continue
in the years to come.
McDonald’s kids’ fun booklet
MWP was a funding partner for the Travel through Michigan Activity Book in 2012 and 2013. The “Wheat
Fill-In” word game lets kids discover tasty products they like to eat that are made with wheat.
About 500,000 of the books were distributed in McDonald’s Restaurants throughout Michigan in spring
2012 and spring 2013, raising the industry’s profile among next-generation consumers. MWP will
continue to work through the Michigan Festivals & Events Association and with other commodity partners
as these unique, partnership opportunities arise.
www.miwheat.org
Michigan Wheat’s state-of-the-art website focuses on content for Michigan wheat growers including variety
trial results, research information and links to partner organizations. The website also provides check-off
information to industry, so they are able to find all of the information they need in one place.
The site’s home page lets growers sign up to receive information and communications. Being that the
check-off is a new organization and on a limited budget, many publications and events will be advertised
mostly via email.
Make sure you’re signed up! Then bookmark the website on your Internet browser and visit monthly to see
what’s new.
The website for MWP, miwheat.org, also provides a location for wheat farmers to sign up for a periodic
e-newsletter. Learn more, stay in touch and visit often.
Michigan Wheat Program
the Michigan Wheat Program thanks you for your support! We hope
you’re pleased with all that we have accomplished! contact us with
any questions or to have us speak at your events at 1-888-WheAt01.
And visit us often at www.miwheat.org.
