The Texas Wheat Producers Board recently approved more than $420,000 in new research funding for the 2025-26 cycle. The record-setting amount was approved during the May 2025 board of directors meeting held in Amarillo, TX.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about supporting wheat farmers,” said Jody Bellah, chairman of the Research Committee. “By using these checkoff dollars for research projects, we’re giving producers the tools and information they need to make the best decisions for their farms.”
The annual figure will continue strong support for key research led by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension including ongoing wheat breeding and genetics work. These programs focus on providing enhanced yields, disease and pest resistance and overall performance of wheat in the field. Since the early days of the statewide wheat assessment, Texas farmers have consistently supported the breeding program through checkoff investment. This commitment has fueled not only variety development of highly popular, Texas-based genetics, but also a range of side projects that enhance breeding success and contribute to farm profitability.
The remaining dollars will be allocated to research projects aiming to enhance marketability, expand varietal knowledge, analyze inputs and optimize production.
In addition to regular annual research projects, the board looked outside state lines to build and invest in coalitions with other key partners in the wheat industry to enhance the work that is done at home. New ventures include joining the Wheat Genetics Resource Center, partnering with other state wheat organizations to fund a USDA grant focused on drought resilience and investing in the next steps for advancing wheat technology.
“In 2023, farmers made the tough call to raise the per-bushel wheat assessment so we could maintain investment in programs that bring value back to the farm,” said Executive Director Steelee Fischbacher. “The board’s careful stewardship of that investment is evident in the expanded research portfolio approved for this year.”
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.
