Check-off funded SRW wheat variety released to Kentucky producers

In May 2008, the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association (KySGGA) and the University of Kentucky released the Kentucky-bred soft red winter wheat variety, Pembroke, to Kentucky producers. This high-performing wheat was developed by the University of Kentucky Wheat Breeding Program under the guidance of Dr. David Van Sanford and with the financial support of the Kentucky small grain check-off.

"We are extremely excited about the release of this seed to producers," said KySGGA president Sam Hancock, of Fulton. "This program will provide a lower-cost seed option, deliver reliable genetics to our Kentucky producers, and increase the return on investment of small grain check-off dollars."

Registered Seed units (50 pounds) are being sold for $25 each. Purchasers may choose to buy seed in 50-pound bags or 2,000-pound totes from one of several distribution points across the state. Seed is treated with a minimum label rate of Raxil T, but other treatment options are available. Once the seed is distributed late this summer, growers are free to produce and save the seed for their own operations, market the seed according to Kentucky Seed Law, or produce and sell pursuant to KSIA regulations.

Last spring, KySGGA signed an agreement with the University of Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station (KAES) to produce and market Pembroke, and then worked with select producers this growing season to produce the seed.

"The association has allocated checkoff dollars to fund the University of Kentucky’s wheat breeding program for many years," said Don Halcomb, KySGGA Promotion Council chairman, "The release of this strong-performing product gives something back to our Kentucky producers."

KySGGA will not profit from the sale of the seed release.