Wheat Problem 2

Wheat Problem 2

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
The Falling Number test is the internationally standardized and most popular method for determining sprout damage in wheat. With the Falling Number test, so-called weather or sprout damaged wheat or rye, can be detected at the grain silo intake within a few minutes. 2016 was a challenging year for many wheat growers across the Northwest, but not because of the weather or port slowdowns, but because of low falling numbers. Executive Director of the Idaho Wheat Commission Blaine Jacobson: When it has low falling numbers it means that the starch in the suite has been activated and then in the milling and baking process it doesn't perform the way that it should. You will have a lower volume loaf of bread, cookies that don’t spread the way that they should or without the strength of the starch, you end up with inferior product.

 

Eastern Washington representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers says Falling Numbers will remain a top priority for 2017, since it has such a direct impact on wheat growers and ultimately the agriculture economy. McMorris Rodgers says her attention is on the test itself. She said there were a lot of concerns raised about the inconsistency of the test. The variations were hard to explain saying it is important to have an accurate test. How can that be achieved? McMorris Rodgers says they are continuing to work with Washington State University. McMorris Rodgers says since the falling numbers test is not going away any time soon, it’s vital that all parties work together to ensure the test produces accurate information, for both growers and consumers.

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