In Nebraska, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave a University of Nebraska-Lincoln research team a three year grant to find higher yield wheat hybrids. Their goal is to find ways to increase production for the increasing demand for wheat worldwide. The project also includes Texas A&M University, Kansas State University and Mexico’s International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center. The grant is part of USDA’s involvement with the International Wheat Yield Partnership.
Nebraska’s High Plains area is a perfect region for this research on hybrid wheats due to the morning winds and irrigation which help in cross-pollination. They plan on developing hybrid wheats that not only produce higher yields to feed the increasing demand for wheat, but also to develop hybrids that can better withstand climate changes.