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GRANT SPOTLIGHT

University of Maryland Modified Fertilization Strategies to Increase Grain Protein Content of Soft Red Winter Wheat

To investigate increasing grain protein content in soft red winter wheat, the University of Maryland is employing modified nitrogen fertilization strategies. It has previously been demonstrated that increasing the quantity and frequency of nitrogen fertilization can increase grain protein content in hard red winter and spring wheat varieties, however this has not yet been determined for soft red winter wheat. The project aims to evaluated if production of higher protein wheat can be profitable option for Maryland growers, with a premium price potentially offered for higher protein wheat. Research will be conducted in Queenstown and Salisbury, Maryland with three varieties and four fertilization strategies. Research conducted in 2019 demonstrated that production of higher protein wheat was possible, but it was more dependent on the genetic potential of wheat varieties versus the nitrogen fertilization strategy. The principal investigator is Dr. Nicole Fiorelino.

$7,273 checkoff dollars will be used for this research to be continued. As this is the second year we have funded them with a total of $11,498.

U.S. Wheat Associates Developing Export Markets for Maryland's Wheat Producers

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) is the export market development organization for the U.S. wheat industry promoting the reliability, quality and value of all six U.S. wheat classes to wheat buyers, millers, bakers, food processors and government officials in more than 100 countries around the world. Maryland primarily produces Soft Red Winter Wheat (SRW) and USW works to demonstrate the  functional value and performance of flour milled from soft red winter (SRW) wheat to foreign buyers. SRW exports for 2018/19 reached their largest volume export sales since 2014/15 at 3.33 MMT. This 32% increase is related to competitive export pricing and growing demand for SRW characteristics in Latin America and other regions.  2019 accomplishments include: Hosting a successful buyers conference and reinforcing U.S. wheat commitments to the crucial Mexican SRW market. Establishing the first cereal grains testing and education institute in South America Holding the first series of formal crop quality seminars in South America where Jason Scott, Maryland’s director at USW, provided producer perspective to buyers Bringing Brazilian flour millers to see SRW breeding, production and handling. Continuing to build relationships with soft wheat users and encouraging flour quality analysis to demonstrate SRW’s superior performance for cakes, pastry and cookie production. MGPUB's support of USW is based on production in Maryland. 2019 support was $53,400 and the 2020 grant is $47,800.

Learn More about USW

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Maryland Grain Producers Check-Off Program The Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board is funded through the Maryland Grain Check-Off Program; when grain that is produced in Maryland is sold by a farmer, the Utilization Board receives one-half of a percent of its net value. The Check-Off program is voted on by referendum every five years and has always received a greater than 90% affirmation vote. Each year organizations and universities are encouraged to submit grant proposals in November for consideration by MGPUB. The Utilization Board gathers to hear presentations on each proposal and reports from the previously funded projects. Projects must improve the viability and profitability of grain production through research, education, or market development.   For 2020, the Grain Producers will award $802,207 for 33 projects across the state. Congratulations to each recipient.

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