Wheat Commission Donates For Research

The Washington Wheat Commission will donate $1.5 million to Washington State University to fund research on conservation farming.

The money will support the R. James Cook Endowed Chair in wheat research. Cook is a plant pathologist who will occupy the chair and lead multi-disciplinary scientific teams in developing conservation cropping systems for the different climates and soils in Eastern Washington. The research could improve wheat production, reduce economic risks to farmers and improve soil and water protection.

The money comes from assessment funds paid to the Washington Wheat Commission by farmers. Wheat Commission chairman Karl Felgenhauer will present the check to WSU president Sam Smith at the agribusiness lunch that kicks off the Washington Association of Wheat Growers convention Friday in Spokane.

, DataTimes