Research
Traditionally, wheat was the best crop option for growers on the Great Plains. Corn and soybeans that generated higher returns in the Corn Belt were not suited to the arid climate of the southern plains, nor were they suited for the shorter growing season of the northern plains.
In recent years, however, genetic advances in corn and soybeans have changed that equation. Corn varieties flourish in the traditional wheat-growing plains growing regions, as do short season soybeans that mature before the early frosts of the northern plains.
Research programs are vital to sustaining, and increasing, the production of ALL grains in the U.S.
Research supported by NAMA
- A new oat variety was released and successfully commercialized. Agronomist Jean-Luc Jannink and his research team at the Small Grains Breeding Lab at Iowa State University produced a promising new oat variety called “Baker.” It is the first new variety in nearly 15 years in Iowa, previously a leading state in oat production. The research project was partially funded by NAMA.
The Baker oat variety has excellent yield and high groat percentages. Of the highest-yielding varieties tested the last few years, Baker is above average for disease resistance. It is also high in beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that accounts for oat’s beneficial heart health effects. Baker ranked first and second for protein and oil yield, respectively, making it a valuable feed oat for on-farm use as well.
- A study at Purdue University is examining the impact of milling processes on the bioavailability of the carotenoid content in corn. Mario Ferruzzi of the Department of Food Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana hypothesizes that milled corn products may serve as physiologically relevant sources of bioactive carotenoids.
Carotenoids are a family of yellow and orange pigments abundant in plants. Epidemiological associations have been made between increased consumption of carotenoid rich foods and a reduced risk of several chronic diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disorder, and impaired vision. Results of the study are pending.
- NAMA undertook a study of the microbiological profiles of wheat, corn, oats, durum and whole wheat flour to determine the proper application of microbiological guidelines in our industry. Microbiologic guidelines have been used in milling plants to verify compliance with sanitation and food safety programs.
Members provided thousands of data points that showed excellent microbiological profiles for our products. The data showed that using microbiological specifications is not an effective use of resources for verifying compliance with sanitation and food safety programs. Monitoring guidelines that use periodic testing can better help mills and their customers .
Today NAMA is collaborating on projects such as the North American CORE and Genomics of Wheat Quality.
We are funding a two-year project at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service Soft Wheat Quality Lab in Wooster, Ohio. The objective of the project is to identify milling and baking quality characteristics in new soft wheat varieties with resistance to fusarium head blight, a wheat disease that imposes huge economic costs on wheat farmers and millers.
Last updated June 8, 2010
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