ARDC TODAYA publicat ion of the University of Nebraska Agr icultural Research and Development Center

Can a single seed feed the world? Visualizing the accelerated pace at which the world population is growing is not an easy picture to imagine. Current world population is over 7.3 billion people. And the United Nations projects world population will reach 8.5 billion by 2030, 9.7 billion by 2050, and over 11 billion in 2100. Those are some mind boggling numbers! So, can one little, tiny seed make a difference with those types of numbers? There is an online world population clock that provides a very good visual demonstrating how rapidly the world population is growing (www.census.gov/popclock). The numbers on the population clock provided by the United States Census Bureau almost instantaneously scroll higher and higher with the blink of an eye. The numbers swiftly race upward at a staggering pace. If a similar clock existed tracking the availability of land used for growing food in the United States, look for it to be almost stationary. In fact, in some areas, land used for agricultural crops has decreased. Yet, the United States currently leads the way in land used to produce food. We’ve all heard it before, but to keep pace with global food supply needs, we need to use our resources wisely and efficiently. The overriding question is will there be enough food for everyone? And that brings us back to the question -

It All Starts with a SeedHusker Genetics Vital Role in Seed Production

UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR ASK A–LINCOLN * INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATUR AL RESOURCES

Vol. 5, No. 1 * Spring 2016

This issue features Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division. Feature articles include:

• Beyond the Big Red Border

• It All Starts with a Seed

• Husker Genetics Staff• No Seed Left Behind• Producing Foundation

Seed• Promising Varieties• The Seed Research

Team• Timeline – From Foun-

dation Seed Division to Husker Genetics

Also in thi s i ssue :• Enhanced Technology

at Christenson Build-ing to Better Serve Clientele

• Getting the Perfect Shot - Moo Manager

• Thorson - Employee of the Year

A Closer Look at the

More pictures and information on topics

featured in this edition and from past issues

are online at: ardc.unl.edu/photos.

Enhanced TechnologyAt Christenson Building to Better Serve Clientele

- Continued on Page 2

Featured Researchin this issue.... Husker Genetics/ Foundation Seed DivisionIncreasing small

amounts of new

seed varieties to

ensure sufficient

seed distribution

to certified seed

growers.

ARDC

TOD

AY

Not only has technology changed the way we spend our work and leisure hours, but it recently has taken on new and improved features at program and training areas at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building at the ARDC. Technology implementation and use aren’t new concepts at the center, but rather enhancements have progressed with the changing needs and expectations of clientele. Taking a historical look back at meetings and programs, there was a time when the “mini-theatre” (a modified area turned meeting room at the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant load line 2 structure) was where programs and training sessions were held. It wasn’t fancy, but for many years served the purpose of a place to meet and learn. Fast forward to 1995, with opening of the newly built August N. Christenson Building Research and Education Building (simply known then as the Research and Education Building). The building boasted new meeting space and a World Wide Web connection. Since that time, advances have taken place to keep pace with evolving technologies. (such as installing a 16 mile fiber optic network and Voice over IP telephony). But in 2015, major steps were taken to upgrade and modernize the facility’s technology to better serve our patrons. As using online connections and activities have become more commonplace in our lives, clientele, faculty and those teaching programs have come to expect more electronically and instantaneously. Today’s tech-savvy learners expect more than a stack of plastic sheets interchanged on an overhead projector. It’s not always possible to have everyone in the same room – whether it be a presenter in a different state, a student in another country, or a full-house program at the ARDC filling up the

auditorium and exhibition hall at the Christenson Building. The enhanced video conferencing capabilities promotes seamless and comfortable interaction no matter where the presenter and student may be. Two video cameras were installed in the auditorium during the upgrade, one for viewing the audience and the other for viewing the presenter. Presentations can be broadcasted worldwide and can also be recorded for later viewing. Likewise, video and audio from guest speakers from anywhere in the

can a seed feed the world? The University of Nebraska Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) has long been recognized for the important role of leading the way with innovative research, education and technology in food production. IANR’s strategic plan states that while the primary emphasis will always be on Nebraska, world-class excellence will also position IANR for global leadership in enhancing worldwide food security, particularly in developing countries. That’s very tall order to fill. So it’s amazing that something so incredibly small plays such a vital role in feeding the world. It all starts with a seed.

- Continued on Page 2

The enhanced technologywas utilized at the2016 Cover Crop Conference

“I thought the technology was fantastic.

The live stream was utilized by one of my friends

who couldn’t make it. I pulled it up on my phone and

it worked great! I love that I can go online later to

review some of the finer points that interest me.”

- 2016 Cover Crop Conference Participant

It’s the grain of wheat that ultimately becomes bread or noodles. It’s beans that grow into a plant-based protein source. It’s the grains that serve as livestock feed. These are all examples of the essential role seeds play in feeding the world. And the University of Nebraska’s Husker Genetics/ Foundation Seed Division is integral to providing these seeds. But it’s not just any seed that can meet the needs of this world’s growing population. University of Nebraska researchers spend years breeding cultivars - sometimes it takes 10, 15 or more years to develop a new crop variety. They seek to develop seeds that provide the total package - improved grain yield, disease resistance, weather adaptability, and a high quality, nutritious end product. And that is the type of seed that is needed to feed the world. The University of Nebraska has a history of providing a consistent, reliable supply of well-adapted seed varieties to certified growers. The role of the Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division has been

UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR ASK A–LINCOLN

ARD C Today

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Husker Genetics - It All Starts with a Seed Continued from page 1

building or the world can be piped in if there is a video camera on their device and an internet connection. The technology reduces physical barriers and lends itself to streamlined real-time communication. An important component of the modernization of the technology tools was ease of use for those utilizing the equipment. For instance, the video controlling equipment is programmed so with one push of the finger all the equipment will setup for a basic presentation (i.e. lights, microphones, overhead projector, monitors, and screens down). A wireless touchscreen that controls all of the aforementioned and more provides greater mobility for presenters to walk about the room and still have complete control over all aspects of the room and their presentations. For those who prefer a less mobile approach to presenting, the adjustable lectern features electronic height adjustment at the push of a button. While some people still prefer to bring in their presentation on a USB flash stick, the new system easily connects to laptops, cameras, DVD players, tablets and iPads, cell phones and many other devices. And a high definition visual presenter is available that zooms up to 128x for a microscopic view. Actual specimens, real three-dimensional objects, authentic documents, and pages directly from books are displayed in clear, definitive detail. And a smart board interactive pen monitor allows for marking-up and drawing on media-rich content on a high-definition (HD) widescreen display. The flexibility of the smart board technology promotes high-tech, hands-on collaboration. No matter what seat you take in the auditorium, visibility has been enhanced with two large screens that can have different information on them at the same time with the installation of 2 overhead projector units. And presenters now have 3 LED monitors in the auditorium that can all have display the same images or could have different images from different sources all at the same time. In addition, a large 9’ x 16’ portable screen in the neighboring exhibition hall can be utilized to seat more people and partake in the same program. Or the collapsible wall separating the two rooms can be opened up for one large area. The enhanced technology also allows for a set-up with three semi- separate areas, one in the auditorium and two in the exhibition hall. The options continue when utilizing video

Timeline - From Foundation Seed Division to Husker Genetics

to increase small amounts of those new seed varieties to ensure sufficient seed distribution to certified seed growers. The seed is further increased by certified seed growers to provide high quality seed for Nebraska farmers. These important steps bring seedstock from the plant breeder’s research plot to the farmer’s field. The University’s research team has done an outstanding job of developing superior genetics and there has been a steady increase in the demand for this germplasm. A clear marketing identity was needed for the release of these seed lines. So “Husker Genetics” was introduced in 2001 and merged with the Foundation Seed Division in 2008. Husker Genetics is how the University commercializes and markets seed technology and serves as an interface between the University and industry. It provides an outlet for the vast genetic wealth of the University. As a self-supporting organization, operating funds are derived directly from sales of foundation seeds

and services. Services provided by the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association are utilized for inspection of seed fields. And the expertise of agronomists, plant breeders, plant pathologists, entomologists, and extension specialists are also drawn upon. Each cropping season, winter wheat, spring oats, switchgrass, corn, soybeans and sorghum are raised on about 1,000 acres of land at the ARDC. A list of the various crops produced by Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division are listed on page 4 of this publication. The production facility includes two cleaning lines that operate at 55 bushels per hour capacity, a free standing cleaner and a seed treater. During the winter months, staff clean, condition, and bag seed. Husker Genetics also maintains supplies of new and established varieties of Foundation Seed. Husker Genetics seed is not sold directly to the general public. More information can be obtained by contacting a certified seed dealer via the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association at 402-472-1444.

Combines used range from a 1960’s E Series model to a more modern 2013 machine.

No Seed Left BehindA few seeds is too many seeds when it comes to quality and purity control in seed production If only it were as simple as running a combine empty and moving onto the next variety. At the Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division, cross contamination of seed varieties is the ultimate “no-no”. After each variety is harvested, the combines receive a thorough cleaning. Cleaning a combine involves following the path that the grain follows. Everything has to be cleaned from top to bottom, chopper, straw walkers, cleaning shoe, cylinder concave, clean grain tank, elevators, feederhouse, and head. The equipment is blown off and vacuumed from the head to the auger and everything in between. The seed conditioning equipment is also thoroughly cleaned between varieties to ensure purity and quality. So the smaller the seed, the longer it takes to clean the combine because there are more turns and crannies

for the seed to get caught and “hide”. Cleaning combines after harvesting soybeans takes about 6-8 hours. Wheat clean-up is more difficult and takes longer – approximately 10-12 hours. The picture above shows the combines used for harvesting seed. Combines used range from a 1960s E Series model to a more modern 2013 machine. All of the machines are used every year and for harvesting seed crops.

Enhanced Technology Continued from page 1

capabilities. A video camera setup in the exhibition hall and say, for instance, viewing at a farm implement and the video stream could be projected back to the auditorium or back out worldwide via the internet. An equally important component of the advancements involves audio and sound. If you have attended an event in the exhibition hall in the past, you probably will note that the acoustics were not conducive for large groups. With the installation of sound-absorbing panels, the exhibition hall is now has reduced echo, creating a more usable space. There are now six wireless microphones and one stationary desk microphone of which all, one or none can be set to four different sound zones for use in simultaneously or separately in the auditorium and

exhibition hall. And to accommodate individuals with hearing impairments, there are several wireless single ear clip speakers that fit easily over the ear are available.

1920Certified seed first produced in Nebraska

1941Nebraska Hybrid Seed Corn Producers’ Association formed (NHSCPA)

1943The Nebraska Crop Growers’ Association (official certification agency) becomes the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association (NCIA)

1946NCIA transfers foundation seed stock production to NHSCPA

1949Foundation Seed production transferred to UNL’s newly formed Foundation Seed Division (FSD). FSD is under the direction of UNL’s Department of Agronomy until 1999.

1960Final transfer or assets from NHSCPA to UNL’s Foundation Seed Division

2000FSD transferred from UNL’s Department of Agronomy and Horticulture to UNL’s Agricultural Research Division (ARD). Within ARD, responsibility assigned to ARDC Director.

2001Husker Genetics is created to handle licensing and production for UNL releases.

2003-2008Husker Genetics is expanded to include all releases to create brand identity

2008The Foundation Seed Division was merged into Husker Genetics on July 1, 2008.

Thorson Employee of the Year

Rod Thorson was selected as the recipient of the 2015 ARDC Employee of the Year Award. Sponsored by the social/benefits committee at the ARDC, fellow employees nominate candidates. Supervisors, employees and the committee then submit scoring forms. Thorson is a long-term employee at the ARDC. He has worked with the Farm Operations unit at the ARDC since 1983. Some of his job duties include: baling, harvesting, planting, and snow removal. He also is instrumental in preparing equipment for upcoming projects and preparing paperwork for the completed season. Also nominated were: Lori French (Greater Nebraska Business Center), Matt Sousek (Horticulture/Turf), Keith Street (Beef Feedlot), and Nate Thorson (Farm Operations). Nominators for Thorson stated that, “Rod is the key farm crew leader when working with research for other departments. His accuracy, precision and thoroughness are invaluable in those situations. Rod’s many years of experience here are a vital asset. He can do any job on the farm and do it very well.” Thorson was also honored with prizes solicited and organized by the social/benefits committee at the ARDC. Prize donors included WI Animal Health, Wahoo Livestock Commission, and Mead Cattle Company. Thorson will be recognized as the award recipient on a plaque displayed indefinitely at the ARDC. This is the fourteenth year the award has been presented. Past winners can be viewed online at http://ardc.unl.edu/eoy.

INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATUR AL RESOURCES

Spr ing 2016

3

The Seed Research Team A team of University of Nebraska scientists are committed to improving and developing seed cultivars through selective breeding and meticulous evaluation. Their discoveries are the crops that are further propagated by the Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division. Longevity of the research is noteworthy, as some of the faculty have been working with plant breeding for over 25 years. Here’s a brief look at who they are and what crop species they work with.* Steve Baenziger, Professor, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (Small Grains Breeding and Genetics) Baenziger is the primary small grains breeder at the University of Nebraska and a world leader in wheat breeding. He collaborates with partners nationally and internationally to develop new winter wheat, barley and triticale cultivars and new breeding methods. * Ismail Dweikat, Professor, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (Pearl Millet Genetics and Sorghum) Dweikat works with sorghum and pearl millet genetics. His program focuses on the genetics of sorghum and pearl millet. His research has shown that sorghum tolerates drought and high temperatures and can be grown on marginal lands. His research on sweet sorghum germplasm focuses on not only developing drought-tolerant feedstock, but also on ethanol production from the crop. * George Graef, Professor, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (Soybean Breeding and Genetics) Graef works with soybean breeding and genetics. His research also includes soybeans for human food uses, as well as protein and oil content and quality. He partners with the Nebraska Soybean Board on many projects. Graef has also conducted research in South America for off-season research, as the weather correlates well with Nebraska’s climate.* Robert Graybosch, Adjunct Professor, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and Supervisory Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS (Plant Breeding and Genetics) Graybosch’s works with small grains development. His work includes genetic improvement of winter wheat and end-use quality and development of virus-resistant lines of wheat. His work also includes waxy wheat cultivars. * Robert Mitchell, Adjunct Professor, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture and Research Agronomist, USDA-ARS (Grassland Management and Development) Mitchell’s research includes developing best management practices and evaluating perennial cool- and warm-season grasses and legumes for establishing and restoring grazed grasslands. He also works with perennial grasses associated with biomass energy crop production systems, most notably switchgrass. * Oscar Rodriguez Research Professor, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (Popcorn Breeding) Rodriguez focuses on breeding popcorn crops for

high yield, drought tolerance, disease resistance and improved quality traits. He works on a joint popcorn breeding research project between ConAgra and the University of Nebraska. The objective of the research is to improve the agronomics and production characteristics of commercial popcorn hybrids. Special emphasis is given to quality eating traits such as volume expansion, tenderness and flake shape.* Dipak Santra, Assistant Professor, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (Alternative Crop Breeding and Genetics) The objective of Santra’s research is to develop and enhance germplasm and cultivars of new and existing alternative crops for sustainable production under dryland farming conditions in the northern High Plains of the USA (western Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, South Dakota and eastern Wyoming). His research combines biotechnology and traditional breeding methods. He has conducted significant research on proso millet varieties used in wheat-based rotations, as well as those for the food and alcohol markets.* Carlos Urrea, Associate Professor, UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture (Dry Edible Bean Breeding) As a dry edible bean breeding specialist, Urrea’s research focuses on breeding bean varieties that are resistant to rust, white mold, common bacteria blight, and root rots, that have desirable qualities related to water efficiency and minimum tillage systems, and that have a more upright architecture, allowing direct harvesting. In a state known for corn and soybean production, many people don’t realized Nebraska is a leader in dry edible bean production. According to the U.S. Dry Bean Council, Nebraska ranks #3 in dry edible bean production providing 11% of the dry beans produced in the United States. Urrea’s research includes dry edible beans such as, pinto, Great Northern, kidney, black, and navy beans.

Husker Genetics staff includes: (l-r) Wyatt Chapman, Lisa Moravec, Mark Treptow, William Barelman, Chad Lanik, and Mike Zoubek.

Jeff Noel, Director

Baenziger Dweikat Graef

Graybosch Mitchell

Rodriguez Santra Urrea

Learn more about the research and seed - huskergenetics.unl.eduHusker Genetics Staff

Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division (FSD) has an important role in both seed production and marketing. Husker Genetics/FSD seeks out a broader audience for the UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ (IANR) genetic material and seeks to develop high quality genetic material for Nebraska, the surrounding region and beyond. Husker Genetics/FSD works with release agreements with UNL for plant varieties that require this type of outlet for commercialization and also works with

license agreements with companies to increase and sell plant varieties. Jeff Noel is the Husker Genetics/FSD director and started in January 2003. He obtained his bachelor’s degree in ag and business administration from Western

performs various duties from planting to harvesting to cleaning seed. William Barelman started in 1981. He is an ag research technician II and processes seed, makes deliveries, and maintains the seed warehouse and inventories. He has a bachelor’s degree in ag economics from UNL. Ag Research Technicians, Wyatt Chapman and Mark Treptow joined the team in 2013 assisting with all facets of daily operations. Chapman received his associates degree in agronomy from Northeast Community College in Norfolk and Treptow obtained a bachelor’s degree in business management from Wayne State College.

Kentucky University. Noel recently received the 2016 Distinguished Service Award from the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association for his support and marking efforts of Nebraska developed seed varieties. Lisa Moravec, staff assistant, performs office functions for Husker Genetics, such as taking orders, accounting, and other duties. She has been with the division since 2000 and possesses a bachelor’s degree in agriculture with a major in ag education from UNL. Chad Lanik is the production research manager overseeing the day to day operations, including planting, spraying, harvesting, seed conditioning, and delivery logistics. He also oversees triticale forage trials in 11 states. He has an Associate’s Degree in Ag Business/Agronomy from Southeast Community College. Mike Zoubek, ag research technician II, has been with the Foundation Seed Division since 1969. He

“With all this technology in front of me, I think I may be a pilot navigating to a another planet!” - Comment from recent program presenter on new equipment

The above photo is from the presenter’s vantage point and shows

the equipment available to utilize while presenting to audiences.

ARD C Today Spr ing 2016

This issue of the ARDC Today was produced and edited by Deloris Pittman, Marketing and Promotions Manager. The ARDC Today is published quarterly by the University of Nebraska ARDC, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, Nebraska, 68033-2234.

Mark Schroeder is the Director, University of Nebraska ARDC. For more information, call (402)624-8000 or (800)529-8030. On the web at: ardc.unl.edu. Email: dpittman1@unl.edu.

Nebraska Extension in Saunders County and the Southeast Research and Extension Center administrative offices are located at the ARDC. Links are located on the ARDC website.

© 2016 University of Nebraska Agricultural Research and Development Center

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln does not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

4UNIVERSIT Y OF NEBR ASK A–LINCOLN INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE AND NATUR AL RESOURCES

MAY 23 Saunders County 4-H and Extension Board

Foundation Directors Meeting

MAY 30 Memorial Day - Building CLOSED

JUNE 2 4-H Clover Kid Day Camp

JUNE 7-9 4-H Babysitting Basics Workshop

JUNE 13 4-H Livestock Tagging and Tattooing

JUNE 14 4-H Entomology Workshop

JUNE 15 ExtensionCorps Celebration

JUNE 17 Silage for Beef Conference

JUNE 20-22 4-H Rocket Workshop

JUNE 24 ATV Training

JUNE 28 4-H Junior Potpourri Workshop

JUNE 29 4-H Senior Potpourri Workshop

Learn more at: ardc.unl.edu

What’s OnThe Calendar

Beyond the Big Red Border University of Nebraska Foundation Seed Division/Husker Genetics seeds can be found growing across the country – in fields for research and increasing seed populations. While seed populations are multiplied at the ARDC, wheat, triticale, barley, millet, and dry edible beans varieties are also grown in Yuma, Arizona. Why Arizona? Yuma, Arizona might be considered the Shangri-La of seed production with the longest growing season in the United States. The favorable climate thrives with abundant sunshine, fertile soil and plentiful irrigation. The Colorado River sediment deposits produce rich soil and the river provides irrigation for thirsty plants. Winters are mild and growing conditions are ideal for vegetable and wheat production. Yuma County is ranked third in the nation for vegetable production and takes pride in the fact that 175 different crops are grown in the area. So seed varieties can be increased in Arizona when it is winter in Nebraska and require fewer cropping seasons to raise yields. Disease and insect pressure are minimal and growing Nebraska seeds fits well in the crop rotation with vegetables grown in the region. But it’s not only for the sake of seed production that you will find Foundation Seed/Husker Genetics seeds growing beyond the big red state borders. Research on various seed breeds is conducted in many different regions. Triticale for use as forage for dairy and beef cattle is grown and being studied in New York, Illinois, Texas, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Kansas, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Washington, and Canada. Pearl

millet and hybrid sweet sorghums research is being conducted in Texas and Mexico. Proso Foxtail Millet is also being grown in Texas. Wheat varieties stretch as far west as Wyoming and Colorado, as far north as Canada, and as far east as Wisconsin. And research on soybean varieties is conducted in South America. Variety and hybrid performance is tested in many different regions and environments in Nebraska and beyond our borders. Thus, sound conclusions can be drawn and valuable, unbiased information is provided to growers to assist in making reliable variety selection decisions.

One of the newest seed varieties to be released by the University of Nebraska and the USDA-ARS is NE10589. This hard red winter wheat cultivar was released in 2015 and has superior adaptation to rainfed wheat production systems throughout Nebraska and in adjacent wheat producing states. NE10589 is also known as Husker Genetics brand “Ruth”. The cultivar is named in honor of Ruth Miller. Miller was the UNL Department of Agronomy and Horticulture’s greenhouse manager for 20 years and aided in the University’s small grains breeding program. She passed away unexpectedly in May 2015. NE10589 is a semi-dwarf wheat that has performed remarkably well in trials. Comparison trials indicate that the variety is moderately late in maturity – 147.2 days after January 1. It is resistant to susceptible to Hessian fly, moderately resistant to stem, leaf, and stripe rust and bacterial streak. This variety should be well adapted to most rainfed wheat production systems throughout Nebraska and in adjacent areas of the Great Plains. Another newly introduced crop that is gaining attention is Liberty switchgrass. Nearly two decades of research and breeding by the USDA-ARS grass breeding program at UNL went into developing the switchgrass. Liberty was developed for the Midwest as a bioenergy crop with a high rate of winter survival combined with high yields. Liberty has proven to be a high yielding biomass crop. This renewable, nonfood energy feedstock holds great potential for conversion into a “drop-in fuel” and subsequently lessening dependence on fossil-derived fuels. Liberty can be grown on and protects marginal lands while providing a potential revenue source. Husker Genetics first made Liberty switchgrass seed available to certified seed growers in spring 2016, so Liberty will be available to farmers in fall 2016 through certified seed dealers. Contact the Nebraska Crop Improvement Association at (402)472-1444 or www.necrop.org to locate a dealer.

Triticale forage research is being conducted in this New York plot. Results from tonnage yields and cropping systems are being analyzed.

Promising Varieties

From time to time, the research center is utilized as a backdrop for photos of various University of Nebraska-related projects and programs. One such photo shoot involved University of Nebraska at Omaha graduate, Rachel Ostrander, who developed the Moo Manager app and received the Peter Kiewit Student Entrepreneurial Award for her work while attending UNO. Ostrander is shown demonstrating her app in the top photo. Looking at the photo, you might not realize what was going on from the other side of the camera. The photographer (bottom photo) piqued the cattle’s curiosity. Photos provided by Stephanie Pistillo

Getting the Perfect Shot

Connect with us

Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division is an auxiliary business unit to the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. Its function is tosupport the research and development of new culti-vars in multiple species. The seed production facilityis located at the ARDC. Seeds that Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division deals with include:• Barley (Winter)• Chickpeas /Garbanzo Beans• Dry Edible Beans (Great Northern,

Pinto, Light Red Kidney, Navy, Small Red, and Black)

• Field Peas (Yellow)• Millet (Proso, Foxtail, and Pearl)• Oats (Spring)• Perennial Forage Grasses (Big Blue-

stem, Sand Bluestem, Bromegrass, Side Oats Grama, Indiangrass, Switchgrass, Intermediate Wheatgrass)

• Sorghum (Grain, Forage, and Biomass)• Soybeans (Roundup Ready, Convention-

al and Food Grade)• Triticale (Winter, Grain, and Forage)• Wheat (Clearfield, Hard Red Winter, and

Hard White Winter) Husker Genetics/Foundation Seed Division has been producing quality seed products since 1949 - the essential link between the plant breeder and growers. While much has changed over the years, the goal of producing quality seed has remained constant.

ProducingFoundation Seed

An example of how production equipment has changed over the years is the on demand seed treating system now utilized by Husker Genetics/FSD. The equipment is fully automated - staff do not have to mix or handle chemicals and seed treatment is very precise.