1997 Annual Report for FW97-042
Project Type: Farmer/Rancher
Funds awarded in 1997: $3,500.00
Projected End Date: 12/31/1999
Matching Non-Federal Funds: $47,970.00
Region: Western
State: New Mexico
Principal Investigator:
Value Added Wheat Production
Summary
This project aims to research the best bakery grade wheat varieties for growing in the local area and to encourage small farmers to plant wheat. Besides improving soil, planting wheat could boost income if economic incentives were developed through value-added markets for organic wheat bought by local and regional bakeries. With declining cattle business, farmers are seeking alternative income, yet this crop can even be grazed lighly during winter and still be harvested for grain in the summer. Additional markets exist for wheat straw and animal feed.