Western Wheat Quality Laboratory, 1947-1998

The purpose of the Western Wheat Quality Laboratory is to test the milling characteristics of wheat produced in the the Pacific Northwest. The Laboratory also conducts a few studies studies of wheat from other regions within the United States.

The beginnings of the Western Wheat Quality Laboratory date from 1946 when organizational work was started by the Washington Agricultural Experiment Station, and the United States Bureau of Plant Industry, Soils and Agricultural Engineering. For two years the situation was analyzed, and facilities were brought into place. Operation of the laboratory began in the Spring of 1948. In that same year various funds were allocated by such agencies as the Oregon Wheat Commission, the Washington-Idaho Wheat League and others, providing money to more adaquately support the work of the Laboratory. Over time, various government and industry funds have been used for the operation of the Laboratory, and agricultural scientists from a number of universities and research facilities have participated in the work of the Laboratory.