Wheat, corn and sorghum research aims to help farmers adapt to increasingly dry conditions across the West
As Colorado continues to face persistent drought and declining water supplies, researchers at Colorado State University are developing new crop varieties that can better withstand dry conditions while maintaining productivity. The work focuses on wheat, corn and sorghum—three crops that play critical roles in Colorado agriculture and global food security.
Colorado’s ongoing drought challenges have intensified this year following a historically low mountain snowpack, making water-efficient agriculture increasingly important. CSU scientists are combining traditional breeding techniques with advanced genetic research to help farmers produce more food using less water.
Wheat Program Builds on Decades of Success
CSU’s Wheat Breeding and Genetics Program has spent more than six decades developing wheat varieties suited to Colorado’s challenging climate. Today, CSU-developed wheat occupies approximately 85% of the state’s wheat acreage, reflecting the program’s close partnership with Colorado farmers…