Wheat farmers in Colorado looking to earn more on acres planted to wheat can receive premiums of 30-90 cents per bushel with two CWRF hard white winter wheat varieties: Snowmass and Thunder CL. The Colorado Wheat Research Foundation (CWRF) and ConAgra Mills have announced they are paying higher premiums for higher protein wheat through the CWRF ConAgra Mills Ultragrain® Premium Program.
This increase in premium gives Colorado growers the opportunity to earn up to an additional 90 cents on each bushel of wheat. Growers who participate in the program gain a minimum base premium of 30 cents per bushel for the 2012 crop, plus a protein premium of up to 60 cents per bushel for wheat with 15 percent protein – for a total premium of 90 cents per bushel.
Along with increased premiums, CWRF and ConAgra are looking to significantly expand the program in Colorado.
“ConAgra believes in future of their Ultragrain® flour, and with this increase in premium, they are showing they are serious about increasing acres planted in this program in Colorado,” said Dan Anderson, CWRF president.
In addition to bonus premiums, Snowmass and Thunder CL give farmers in Colorado many additional advantages in the field. These varieties were both developed by Colorado State University’s wheat breeding program and have a strong performance track record.
Snowmass
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Thunder CL
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ConAgra uses both Snowmass and Thunder CL to produce their Ultragrain® 100% whole wheat flour that combines the nutritional benefits of whole grains with the finished recipe qualities of refined flour.
“At ConAgra Mills we take pride in milling Ultragrain®, the industry’s most innovative white whole wheat flour. We strive to continue to improve and expand our Ultragrain® Premium Program, and are willing to pay the producer premiums up front for our Snowmass and Thunder CL varieties. We are increasing our protein premium to the program to make the application of additional inputs more rewarding by providing a highly lucrative guaranteed protein scale,” said Mike Martin of ConAgra Mills.
As Commerce City, Colo., is a key Ultragrain® milling location, it offers growers a local market they can count on. Through this program Colorado growers can capitalize on this growing demand and secure their positions in this long-term market.
Wheat raised under the CWRF ConAgra Ultragrain® Premium Program must be grown under contract, and delivered to specific points around Colorado. For more information about the program and a list of seed growers with these varieties, contact CWRF at (970) 449-6994 or visit www.coloradowheat.org.
The new premium scale:
