Small Grains
MT. VERNON, Wash. – Scientists at WSU are breeding new varieties of wheat with farmers, millers, bakers, and chefs in mind. From more than 40,000 wheat varieties growing at the WSU Northwestern Research and Extension Center in Mt. Vernon, they’re evaluating the typical qualities wheat breeders look for such as yield and disease resistance. But they’re also analyzing how new varieties respond to milling, mixing, rising and baking.
By Sylvia Kantor, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences
SEATTLE – If Dan Barber had his way, there would be a wheat breeder like Stephen Jones in every corner of every state. Jones features prominently in the new New York Times bestseller, “The Third Plate: Field Notes on the Future of Food,” written by Barber, chef and owner of Blue Hill in Manhattan and Blue Hill at Stone Barns Food and Agriculture Center in Pocantico Hills, N.Y.
By Sylvia Kantor, College of Agricultural, Human & Natural Resource Sciences
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Using traditional breeding techniques, scientists at Washington State University are developing barley varieties with qualities that are sought after for making malted barley – the staple ingredient of beer and whiskey.
By Cathy McKenzie, WSU Mount Vernon
MOUNT VERNON, Wash. – Educators and students from six area school districts recently engaged in hands-on activities that will help them integrate science curricula and collaborate with each other. The “Culture of the Land” workshop at Washington State University Mount Vernon focused on local grains and bread making.