Durum Wheat Offers New Opportunity for Kansas Farmers

Kansas State University has released a new breed of durum wheat that can be milled into semolina flour used in pasta, offering Kansas farmers an opportunity to earn more money.

The state's traditional winter wheat crop is facing low prices due to global competition from Russia and eastern Europe. However, durum wheat is more rare and in demand for its high protein content, making it a potentially lucrative option for farmers.

Kansas has been a major producer of wheat since Russian immigrants introduced the crop to the Plains in 1870s. However, the state's agriculture industry has evolved over time, with corn and sorghum becoming more profitable crops due to increased water usage.

Agronomist Logan Simon noted that crop diversity makes sense agronomically and that durum wheat is an easier transition for farmers compared to new crops like canola or cowpeas.