The Texas Wheat Producers Board presented the Texas Wheat Legacy Award to Jackie Rudd, Ph.D., a highly respected AgriLife Research wheat breeder. Rudd was recognized at the 2025 Texas Wheat Partners Dinner on December 2 in Amarillo.
The Texas Wheat Legacy Award honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the Texas wheat industry. Rudd is the inaugural recipient, recognized for a distinguished career spent developing high-performing wheat varieties that deliver added value with every kernel. Known statewide for his commitment to advancing TAM varieties, Rudd has created a legacy of genetics that will continue to shape Texas wheat production for generations.
Throughout his career, Rudd has focused on key research priorities including breeding for water-use efficiency, introgressing forage and grain yield traits from synthetic hexaploid wheat, employing high-throughput phenotyping for biomass production, utilizing marker-assisted breeding to improve resistance to biotic and abiotic stress and enhancing bread-making quality. Rudd’s work has resulted in the development of reliable varieties trusted by farmers across the state and beyond.
“Dr. Rudd has a good understanding of the kinds of challenges farmers face every day and it shows through the wheat varieties he’s developed,” said Scott Born, a farmer from Ferris and chairman of the board. “His dedication to improving wheat genetics has led to real solutions that will benefit farmers’ bottom lines for years to come.”
In addition to breeding TAM wheat varieties, Rudd has served the Texas Wheat Producers Board as a valued partner for more than 20 years, consistently providing insight on emerging technologies and industry needs. Rudd’s enthusiasm for sharing knowledge and championing new research opportunities has long been appreciated by the board.
“Dr. Rudd’s decades of service and unwavering commitment to strengthening Texas wheat production are deeply appreciated,” said Steelee Fischbacher, executive director of the Texas Wheat Producers Board and Association. “His passion for wheat, combined with his vision, expertise and steady leadership, has not only advanced our wheat genetics but created meaningful, lasting benefits for Texas farmers.”
