By Jamie Martin
A special handcrafted wheat trophy has been created in Kansas to recognize the legacy of a well-known football coach while promoting the value of wheat research and farmer stewardship.
The trophy was built using the KS Bill Snyder hard red winter wheat variety developed through Kansas State University research and officially released in 2023. This wheat variety was selected not only for farm performance but also for its strong straw quality, making it suitable for artistic work.
The wheat straw was sourced from licensed test fields near Yoder, Kansas. The artist hand harvested multiple bundles of wheat after receiving proper permission. These bundles were carefully prepared and shaped to form the complete trophy.
The design follows a three-tier structure inspired by a traditional harvest form that symbolizes renewal, gratitude, and agricultural heritage. Each tier carries a meaning connected to Kansas farming and research.
The top tier features a fan-shaped display of wheat heads and a straw star that represents Kansas values. The middle tier reflects Kansas soil and the importance of each grain's head. The lower tier serves as the foundation and includes a football medallion that connects the trophy to Kansas football culture.
All parts of the football were made using wheat straw. The surface was flattened, and thin straw threads were spun to form seams and details. Purple trims were added to highlight school pride.
Information about the wheat variety, harvest location, and licensing details are recorded on the back of the football. This ensures transparency and highlights the role of research programs in developing improved wheat varieties.
The project demonstrates how Kansas wheat is part of a larger story that includes farmers, researchers, seed companies, and communities working together to strengthen agriculture.
Support for continued wheat research is provided by a dedicated Kansas foundation that encourages donations to fund innovation and future crop improvement. The foundation works with farmers and industry partners to promote strong public and private research cooperation.
This creative tribute proves that wheat farming supports both food production and cultural heritage across Kansas.
Photo Credit: Kansas-wheat-Wheat-Trophy
Categories: National