Ushering in a new era of investment in wheat research, the Kansas Wheat Commission will proudly host a Ribbon Cutting and Open House of the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, April 26 in Manhattan. The event begins at 1:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

"We are excited to share the story of how the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center will lead the way in new wheat research that gives Kansas wheat farmers the tools to produce high-yielding, high-quality wheat varieties that will continue to feed the world," said Rich Randall, chairman of the Kansas Wheat Commission and farmer near Scott City. "The world population is expected to reach 9 billion people by 2050. The KWIC will play a big role in helping U.S. wheat farmers meet the population's growing demand for food."

The $10.3 million Kansas Wheat Innovation Center (KWIC) was built by the Kansas Wheat Commission, through the penny-and-a-half Kansas wheat checkoff. It represents the single largest investment by wheat farmers in the nation. The Center was built on land owned by Kansas State University; the Kansas Wheat Commission has a 50-year lease on the property.

"The KWIC fulfills a vision held by generations of Kansas wheat leaders, that Kansas will always be known as 'The Wheat State,'" said Justin Gilpin, chief executive officer of the Kansas Wheat Commission.

After brief remarks by wheat growers leaders and staff leaders, the official ribbon cutting will be symbolized by cutting an 8-foot-long loaf of bread. Following that, tours of the KWIC will take place. Refreshments will be served.

If you plan on attending, please RSVP at: jowens@kswheat.com, or call -866-75-WHEAT.