Kansas Agriculture enjoyed it's finest hour in 1973.  Wheat more than any commodity was responsible for the achievement--more than one third of the state's gross agricultural income of $4 billion and more wheat than produced by any other political unit in the world.

 

        It started with the introduction of Turkey Hard Red Winter Wheat in 1874 by Mennonites in Butler, Harvey, Marion, McPherson and Reno Counties.  Bernhard Warkentin, more than any other, was the leading promoter, grower, and miller.

 

       Turkey Red dominated for nearly 70 years, and helped establish basic economic activities connected with the wheat industry:  Agricultural research and technology, transportation, marketing, milling, international trade, and consumption of wheat products.

       

         Terminal elevators test the quality of the wheat and state wheat quality laboratories and private grain laboratories assist in determining the quality.  By blending wheat of various protein content and gluten strength, terminal elevators produce a mill blend to meet the needs of millers.  The final test is the baked loaf of bread or a great variety of other bakery products.

 

        Bread had always been the best nutrutional buy on grocers' shelves.  Efficient farming methods and advancememts in milling and baking have provided an abundance of wheat . . . the STAFF of LIFE . . . bread still is economical compared with other foods, and high in value compared with the nutritional values of other foods. 

 

        The introduction of Turkey Red Wheat into this country 100 years ago played an important part in the United States having the best fed citizens in the world.

 

        Turkey Red Wheat has been the basis for higher yielding wheats, more demand in the markets, a tool for researchers, improved milling quilities, and improved bakers products.  When bread, which is almost ceratain to list Turkey Red Wheat in its ancestry, is set on the family table, it is appropriate that those partaking of its nourishment know about the value of Turkey Red. 

 

   (Adapted from Wheat Centennial brochure published by the KS. Wheat Cent. Co.) (1974 ?)