Grainnet

Kansas Wheat to Focus on Whole Grain Foods at Kansas State Fair September 5-14

When the Kansas State Fair opens on Sept. 5, Kansas Wheat will be at its usual location along the north wall inside the Pride of Kansas building.

The booth, which represents the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and Kansas Wheat Commission, features a host of information about the goodness of whole grains foods.

“This year we will focus a lot on whole grain foods, which are very popular right now.

"There are many benefits to eating whole grain foods.

"It has been proven that there is a reduced risk of heart diseases and some cancers,” said Cindy Falk, nutrition educator for Kansas Wheat.

For more than 300,000 Kansans each year, the Kansas State Fair is a one-stop resource for goods and services available in our great state.

For many Kansans, the trek to Hutchinson is an annual journey and a chance to renew acquaintances and continue traditions.

One of those traditions that Falk enjoys each year is the public unveiling of the annual Kansas Wheat Commission recipe booklet.

This year’s booklet features easy-to-prepare, wholesome dishes featuring whole grain ingredients, including whole wheat flour, rolled oats and 100% bran cereal.

“Every year, people look forward to stopping at our Kansas Wheat booth to pick up our annual recipe book before they leave the fairgrounds.

"This year our recipe book features 12 recipes that were submitted by dietitians and fitness leaders from hospitals across the state of Kansas.

"The theme of the book is ‘Eat to Be Fit’,” Falk said.

Visitors to the Kansas Wheat booth will also be able to buy their copy of the Kansas Wheat-produced “Kansas Gold” book, which highlights the first 50 years of the Kansas Wheat Commission.

Wheat producers will want to pick up a copy of the 2008 Kansas Wheat Seed Book, featuring yield reports and agronomic information from the 2008 wheat harvest; KAWG membership forms and other items of interest.

Kansas Wheat staff will be available at the booth throughout the week. Other hosts include the volunteer members of the Kansas Wheat spokespersons program, Falk said.

“We could not function for 11 days without the help of our Kansas Speak for Wheat spokespersons.

"These are men and women from across the state that volunteer their time and talk to consumers.

"They answer question from production to baking.

"They are a very vital part of this booth.”

Falk said the State Fair provides Kansas Wheat personnel a chance to meet the folks that make wheat production, milling and baking one of Kansas’ premier industries.

“This is an excellent opportunity for Kansas wheat to connect not only with producers, but the end-users of their products,” she said.

Kansas Wheat, along with other state agricultural groups, sponsors the Agriland display in the Pride of Kansas Building.

The popular exhibit engages the senses and stimulates the minds of children and adults with interactive activities that teach the importance of Kansas agriculture.

Among the adventures at Agriland are a life-size milking cow; soil tunnel that shows kids how the soil community works together to create plant life, and other interactive games.

A host of volunteers work together to make Agriland a fun learning environment for kids of all ages.

The Kansas State Fair opens at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5 and concludes Sept. 14 at 5 p.m., at the State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.

For more information, call 866-759-4328.