Texas Wheat continues commitment to producer-driven research
Texas Wheat Producers Board will fund 16 research projects amounting to $400,000 in research investment for the 2026-27 funding cycle. This funding was approved during the April 2026 board of directors meeting in Amarillo, Texas.
“At the end of the day, our goal is to invest in research that supports wheat farmers and their operations,” said Jody Bellah, chairman of the research committee. “With tight margins and challenging growing conditions, farmers need access to the best genetics, strong varieties and practical tools that can help them stay competitive and profitable.”
This annual investment will continue to support key research initiatives led primarily by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension, including ongoing wheat breeding and genetics programs for both hard red winter and soft red winter varieties.
This year’s crop has faced widespread disease and pest pressure, with some of the most significant impacts coming from Hessian fly infestations and wheat curl mite-related diseases. Breeding efforts directly target these common challenges by developing stronger, more resilient varieties with improved yield potential and overall performance.
Since the establishment of the statewide wheat assessment, Texas farmers have consistently supported the breeding program. That long-term commitment has fostered the development of highly popular Texas-based varieties and supported a range of side projects aimed at enhancing breeding success and contributing to farm profitability.
Funding also will support small-grain silage research, an area that has become increasingly important to Texas wheat farmers. Funds received from the implementation of the small-grain silage assessment will be invested in projects focused on improving forage yield and quality, evaluating management practices and expanding producer knowledge on varieties best suited for silage production.
Remaining funds will be allocated to additional research projects focused on improving marketability, expanding varietal knowledge, evaluating production inputs and optimizing on-farm management practices. One project, in particular, focuses on incorporating the biological nitrification inhibition trait into wheat varieties, with the goal of improving nitrogen-use efficiency and helping farmers reduce fertilizer inputs.
Beyond funding annual research projects, the board has continued building partnerships outside Texas to strengthen the work being done at home. This year, the board maintained its investment in key collaborations, including participation in the Wheat Genetics Resource Center and partnerships with other state wheat organizations to support the integration of drought-resilient technologies into Texas wheat lines.
“The wheat and small-grain silage assessments exist to provide a meaningful benefit to Texas farmers,” said Steelee Fischbacher, executive director. “The board takes that responsibility seriously and, since 2023, has worked to intentionally grow the total research investment while staying focused on the return to producers.”
Annual projects are evaluated each year by the board with input from the Small Grains Advisory Council, a group of research and extension professionals. The board considers each proposal and determines funding levels for the projects with the most potential to positively impact Texas wheat farmers. At the conclusion of this funding cycle, the board will review the outcomes and success of each project with the goal of providing research-based solutions to farmers.
For more information, visit the Texas Wheat website at texaswheat.org/research/research-projects-2/.
