U.S. Wheat Associates announced July 7 that APTINDO, Indonesia’s flour milling association, has signed a memorandum of understanding that commits to doubling its annual purchases of U.S. wheat to 1 million metric tons, or 36.7 million bushels, each year for the next five years.
Kansas hard red winter wheat has made up a large portion of the 27% of U.S. wheat exports to Indonesia in the past decade. According to Kansas Wheat, this means Kansas-grown HRW will fill the additional shipments in this commitment, which will support farm prices for the state’s export-quality grain.
The country’s wheat consumption for food use has grown 22% over the last decade, with rapid growth in that demand expected to continue. Kansas Wheat reports that Indonesia is one of the largest wheat importers in the world, and it is a highly competitive market. Indonesia imported an average of 500,000 metric tons or 18.4 million bushels from the U.S. in the last five marketing years. In the 2024-25 marketing year, the country imported more than 792,000 metric tons, or 29.1 million bushels.
Kansas Corn Listening Tour to take place in August
ALL EARS: Kansas Corn announced the dates for its annual Summer Listening Tour across the state. Farmers are encouraged to sign up for one of the four dates at the location nearest them: Aug. 6 at Rexford, Aug. 7 at Palmer, Aug. 12 at Wichita and Aug. 13 at Topeka. (Jennifer M. Latzke)
Kansas Corn announced the dates for its annual Summer Listening Tour. Corn growers are encouraged to register for this free evening meal that brings farmers together for conversations about the issues that impact their farms.
The dates and locations are:
- Aug. 6, Mitch Baalman Farm, Rexford, Kan. Registration and social at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and conversation from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Aug. 7, Ohlde Seed Farms, Palmer, Kan. Registration and social at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and conversation from 6 to 8 p.m.
- Aug. 12, TopGolf, Wichita, Kan. Registration and social at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and conversation from 6 to 9 p.m.
- On Aug. 13, Kansas Corn also will host an afternoon transition-planning workshop with Bison Financial at The Brownstone, Topeka, Kan., followed by dinner.
Register for these stops at kscorn.com/tour.
K-State webinar to focus on wheat streak mosaic virus complex
WSMV WEBINAR: Kansas State University specialists will host two webinars July 29 discussing the wheat streak mosaic virus complex and how you may be able to get ahead of it before planting this fall. Two live sessions will be offered. (Aaron Harries, Kansas Wheat)
Kansas State University specialists have planned a webinar for producers about the wheat streak mosaic virus complex on July 29. Two live sessions are planned to accommodate varying schedules, one from 2 to 3 p.m. and the second from 7 to 8 p.m. Both sessions will cover the same material and include time for questions and answers.
WSMV, triticum mosaic virus and High Plains wheat mosaic virus continue to be persistent threats to wheat yields in the state. The 2025 outbreak put this threat front and center. This webinar will help farmers get a plan in place before they drill wheat this fall.
Farmers will learn about the biology of wheat curl mites and the viruses they transmit, as well as best practices for volunteer wheat control and how to select appropriate wheat varieties. Details for registration and Zoom access will be available in the Agronomy eUpdate.
Panasonic EV battery facility in De Soto is online
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly, with elected officials and other dignitaries, celebrated the grand opening of the largest electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in the U.S. on July 14 in De Soto, Kan.
The Panasonic Energy battery plant, in De Sotos Astra Enterprise Park, made headlines three years ago when it was announced that it would be the largest economic development project in the company’s — and the state’s — history. This 300-acre plant is expected to generate $2.5 billion in new economic activity in Kansas yearly.
The facility will produce about 66 lithium-ion batteries per second. Its infrastructure is broken into two wings, with four battery lines on each wing. At the end of both wings, infrastructure is designed for shipping, packing and sub-supply vendor spaces for Panasonic partners.
Reinke Manufacturing expands to Belleville
Reinke Manufacturing of Deshler, Neb., announced July 15 that it has acquired the industrial assets of Scott Specialties Inc. in Belleville, Kan. This acquisition of facilities, equipment and real estate will allow the global irrigation leader to expand its operations and extend new employment opportunities to the displaced workforce of Scott Specialties.
Individuals seeking career opportunities with Reinke should apply at reinke.com or call Reinke’s human resources department directly at 402-365-7251.