Archives West Finding Aid

Although the Pacific Northwest Crop Improvement Association was not founded until 1942, a wheat improvement program began on an unofficial basis in the later 1920s. From 1928 to 1940 four conferences were held by millers and various university scientists in an attempt to promote ways to improve wheat varieties. During the early 1940s a number of individuals interested in improving wheat varieties and production in the Northwest actively worked for the formation of some type of association. In December 1941, E.H. Leonard, then president of Preston-Shaffer Milling Company of Walla Walla, called for a meeting of all groups interested in a quality wheat program.

The first association meeting was held on the campus of Washington State University on March 6, 1942 and included representatives of all phases of the wheat industry--millers, chemists, grain dealers, producers, transportation, universities and the federal government. This initial meeting led to the formation of an organizational committee and eventually to the adoption of a constitution on July 31, 1942. Leonard was elected president and is generally credited with being the "father" of the association.

The Crop Improvement Association has worked for the improvement of all phases of the wheat industry. In 1946 the Association sponsored a series of grain grading schools, In 1949-1950 the Association conducted a smut survey; the following year the organization carried on a genetic study. The Association has promoted research, worked for progressive farm legislation, published educational and informative booklets, promoted a regional seed program, conducted production estimates, and sponsored the purchase in the late 1960s of a semi-commercial type mill--the Miga Mill--for the regional wheat testing laboratory.

Owing to financial considerations, during fiscal 1962-1963 the Association went to part-time operations. Under its limited budget, however, the Association continued the publication of its annual wheat variety booklet, promoted annual meetings devoted to all aspects of the wheat industry, and published periodic Bulletins covering subjects of interest to those involved in the wheat industry.