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News
April 2, 2007
For Immediate Release
KySGGA
to Produce and Market Kentucky-bred Wheat Seed
On April 2, the Kentucky Small
Grain Growers Association (KySGGA) signed an agreement with
the University of Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station (KAES)
to produce and market a Kentucky-bred, soft red winter wheat
seed.
The variety that will be
marketed under the name Pembroke was developed by the
University of Kentucky Wheat Breeding Program under the
direction of Dr. David Van Sanford.
According to Van Sanford, Pembroke
was released for its grain yield potential, superior test
weight and excellent adult plant resistance to powdery mildew.
Pembroke also has moderate resistance to Fusarium head blight
and excellent straw strength and lodging resistance.
“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, "I am excited about the release of
this strong-performing product because it gives something back
to our Kentucky producers.”
According to KySGGA Executive
Director Todd Barlow, the first step in this venture will be
to produce enough Foundation Seed for sale and distribution.
"Several Kentucky wheat
producers have expressed interest in acquiring the UK
variety," said Barlow. "Our goal is to make the variety
available to as many producers as possible."
Once the Foundation Seed is
cleaned and conditioned, Barlow said the KySGGA will begin
marketing the seed for the 2008-2009 growing season. The
agreement with KAES states KySGGA will sell seed in 100 bushel
increments at $30 per bushel. KySGGA will be regulated by
guidelines listed in the Kentucky Seed Law.
Once a producer has purchased the Pembroke variety they
have the right to produce and save seed for their future use
or they can sell seed to others as long as they adhere to all
seed marketing laws.
Those seeking further
information should visit the KySGGA web site at
www.kysmallgrains.org. or call 800-326-0906. |
