Released: June 15, 2001

Wheat Bolsters Kansas Economy, Brings International Recognition

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Two hundred and seventy-five grain scientists – representing 38 different countries – traveled to Manhattan recently to attend the Second International Wheat Quality Conference.

Many who live in Kansas may not, however, be fully aware of the state’s role as a national and international food supplier, and center for grain research. They also may not realize the significant role the wheat crop plays in the state’s economy.

"Kansas wheat farmers spent nearly $1.2 billion last year on locally purchased ag inputs, such as machinery, repairs, seed, fertilizer and fuel. They also generated a five-year average of nearly $1.3 billion in cash receipts. Regardless of which economic multiplier one chooses to apply to these figures, it is obvious the Kansas wheat farmer has a significant impact on the state’s economy," said Lee Masenthin, Food and Feeds Manager, Kansas Department of Commerce and Housing.

The state also serves as an international grain production and utilization center. Manhattan is home to the Wheat Research Triad: the American Institute of Baking; the USDA Grain Marketing & Production Research Center; and Kansas State University. The Triad is known worldwide as a leader in wheat quality and grain research.

"Since wheat is the world’s most consumed food grain, meetings to share the newest information are critical to the forward progress of science in feeding the world," said Marc Johnson, Director of K-State Research and Extension and Dean of the College of Agriculture.

Holding the conference in Kansas, the wheat state, is a reminder that the world views Manhattan, Kan., as the center for wheat experts in the world, he said.

Conference co-chairs Okkyung Kim Chung and James Steele said the community is the natural choice for the world conference – the concentration of wheat research and educational focus is thought to be a plus for holding the conference in Manhattan. Conference topics focused on wheat quality, advances in wheat processing, food safety and preservation, marketing standards and world trade.

Planning the international gathering has been in the works for more than three years, said Chung, Director of the Hard Winter Wheat Quality Laboratory at the USDA-ARS, Grain Marketing & Production Research Center. Chung also currently serves as president of the International Association for Cereal Science and Technology based in Vienna, Austria.

"Bringing international grain scientists and industry representatives to Kansas allows us to share grain research and information on new technologies that will enhance the quality and marketability of the world food supply," Steele said.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
npeterso@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News