Wheat researcher celebrated at Kansas State Fair

The worn roads are filled with folks from across the state, the air is filled with the smell of fried foods and the sounds of various animals cared for by youngsters in far off barns. There are judges carefully picking out the best in class for the nearly countless divisions, children rocking the boat in the Ye Old Mill and people making deals with the hundreds of vendors across the grounds. Time at the State Fair is different for every visitor, but it is an exciting time for all involved.

Kansas Wheat will be hosting a booth in the Pride of Kansas building at the Kansas State Fair. After winning the Grand Champion prize for last year's Inside Exhibitor, Multiple Booth division, the organizations are planning another exhibit full of family fun and free giveaways.

Photo: Kansas Wheat booth at Kansas State Fair.

This year's exhibit will focus on the life and impact of Dr. Norman Borlaug, a renowned scientist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Borlaug grew up on a farm in rural Iowa, worked his way through school at the University of Minnesota and ultimately received a Ph.D. in plant pathology. From there, he began his career as a researcher developing semi-dwarf, disease-resistant, high yield wheat varieties. After these varieties were developed and introduced in places like Mexico, South Asia and Africa, the "green revolution" was born. Dr. Borlaug has been called "the man who saved a billion lives" and his work has been celebrated by universities, private organizations and national governments worldwide.

Dr. Borlaug would have turned 100 years old this year, so in celebration, Kansas Wheat is honoring him and his work at the organizations' state fair booth. The exhibit will include educational displays, farmers from around the state and free materials.

Among the free materials is the 2014 Kansas Wheat Commission Recipe Book. The annual recipe book, a staple in kitchens statewide, feature recipes developed by Cindy Falk, nutrition educator at Kansas Wheat. The recipes have been thoroughly tested and perfected, as the staff members of Kansas Wheat can confirm.

"This year's recipe book is very unique," said Falk. "I've been helping compile these books since around 1988, and we wanted to make this one reflect different facets of the wheat industry. From the story of Norman Borlaug to photos of Kansas wheat production, this book helps to highlight wheat from research to baked products."

Recipes include Purple Pride Quick Bread, Signature Scones, Brown-and-Serve Wheat Rolls, Favorite Freezer Burritos and many more! There are also tips and tricks throughout the book as well as information for recipe variations. This year's recipe book, along with limited quantities of the 2013 Kansas Wheat Commission Recipe Book, will be available for free at the Kansas Wheat booth. Various educational materials will also be free to anyone, and Kansas Wheat will have free posters available to teachers.

Various books and CDs will also be made available for sale at the booth. Titles include Baking with Friends Cook Book, 5 Minute Baking Activities and Baking 101 CD.
 
The Kansas State Fair runs September 5-14, 2014. While visiting the State Fair, take the opportunity to stop by the Pride of Kansas building to visit the Kansas Wheat booth and learn more about our number one crop from research to production to wheat foods, which provide about 20% of global calories for human consumption and ensure that the world has enough to eat.