For the 12th year in a row, the Michigan Wheat Program is out searching the fields for new research proposals to keep the state’s wheat producers on the leading edge of quality, yield and profitability. Research to improve quality and quantity of the state’s wheat crop was a key founding principle of the Program.
“In the last 15 years, the Michigan Wheat Program has invested over $6 million of growers’ check-off funds in 210 distinct research projects,” said Jeffery Krohn, an Owendale wheat farmer who also chairs the Program’s nine-member Board of Directors.
Krohn said the Board is seeking proposals from qualified researchers to look into wheat productivity, profitability and quality, with a special interest in multi-disciplinary or collaborative projects that:
- Address high-management production techniques;
- Evaluate efficacy of crop inputs;
- Increase yield potential;
- Improve disease resistance or control to improve grain quality;
- Identify plant nutrients that may be limiting wheat yields;
- Focus on wheat nutrition;
- And market-driven projects for domestic and export opportunities.
To date, most MWP-funded projects have been at Michigan State University, although the board is open to researchers in other public institutions or private entities pursuing projects that reflect Michigan’s growing conditions and priorities.
“We need research results that are available to wheat farmers right now to help them with the challenges they’re facing in their fields and with their bottom lines,” said executive director Jody Pollok-Newsom.
The full Request for Proposal (RFP), proposal template, priority research areas, the budget submission form and the final report template can be found under the researcher tab up in the top row of options on the Michigan Wheat website.
Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, for review at the MWP Board meeting in September. After proposals are reviewed, a presentation may be requested.