Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association Research Proposals is sponsored by Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association. The Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association is accepting research proposals for the 2026-2027 growing season. Projects should be geared towards research of small grain crops including rye, with a focus on advancing innovation and improving yield and profitability.

Research Funding Applications — Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association Research Funding Applications Information for Researchers The Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association is now accepting research proposals for the 2026-2027 growing season . Projects should be geared towards research of small grain crops–wheat, barley, oats, rye, rice and triticale.

We are looking for projects that advance innovation and take us to the next level of yield and profitability. During our Spring Board meeting KySGGA created an extensive list of research topics we would like to be explored. Greater weight will be given to proposals that address the following topics: Drone application of fungicide in wheat Compared to various levels of concentrate in a ground rig.

Timing and efficacy – fine tuning for highest protection and yield Feasibility of AI in learning – agronomic research, genetics research, marketing, pricing opportunities, weather Understanding how grain fill period impacts overall yield – which could include research on wheat breeding varieties to extend grain fill period and photoperiod sensitive wheat varieties Temperature-tolerant varieties considered in the variety trials.

Falling number evaluation as part of variety trials. Efficacy strategies to promote flowering and extend grain fill. Assessment of efficacy and economics of in-row P placement.

Full-system KY crop rotation economic feasibility, long-term. Multiple farm operation scenarios. Multi-year research project focused on improving the profitability of KY cropping systems VR N methods or understanding maps / rate via satellite or using other tools.

Revisit wheat head counts per square yard. Recent YEN data appears to support pushing head counts at harvest, higher than what we are typically recommending in KY. For example, the KY current head recommendations are around 600 and YEN data suggests we might need to be around 800-900.

Research needs to use newer commercial varieties and plots should ideally be no-tilled into soybean or alfalfa or perhaps worked corn ground (not no-tilled into corn stalks, on account of excessive head count variability). Opportunities to reduce winter fallow acres through use of cover crops, behind/INSTEAD OF double crop beans. Not to include annual rye grass.

Consider possible new crop rotations and impacts on soil biology consider changing soil characteristics and new ways to provide nutrients to crops new cover crop varieties, mixtures, and methods of planting and managing that improve soil health and prevent erosion New small grain varieties – plant breeding including photo sensitive varieties and BYDV resistant varieties. Increased support and expansion of the KY YEN program.

Additional opportunities include 1) An end of year YEN wrap up meeting with all Kentucky YEN growers (and consultants who work with YEN clients). 2) Kentucky having its own YEN grower database to compare data within, rather than the current North American database which includes the Eastern US and Eastern Canada. Research on the ever-increasing issues of rye grass control.

Slug and snail control research. Consider new pellet products and other options. Sulfur – revisit recommendations.

ADD Boron and Iron and Zinc To apply for funding, submit a one-page executive summary of the proposed research, including a general estimate of project cost, by July 1, 2026 . This year, KySGGA has established a research committee to review summaries and develop preliminary suggestions.

Researchers whose summaries meet the desired criteria will then be invited to complete the Research Project Proposal Form & Budget and provide a more detailed proposal.

If your project was approved for review, and you have been invited to submit a research funding application for 2026/2027, please fill out one of the following forms: Research Application (PDF) Research Application (DOC) Note: A grant awarded by the Kentucky Small Grain Growers Association shall not be used for any overhead expenses incurred while conducting the research project.

The primary investigator is responsible to see that KySGGA grant money is used to pay for the specific items listed in the Proposal Budget of the Research Grant Application. Additional information will be provided to you regarding funding presentations at the Kentucky Small Grains Summer Board Meeting, which typically takes place in late July or early August.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Laura Knoth at laura@kysmallgrains. org or 502-333-2983.