We’re here to create wheat seed that is superior in genetics, seed quality, and management information to assist producers in obtaining consistently high yields for reduced risk and maximum profitability.
| All levels receive: | – Preferred status for new variety releases and seed allocations – Preferred listing on KWA website – Representation on Trailblazer Committee – Trailblazer swag, depending on Level selected – Exclusive Trailblazer VIP Field Day Experience – Royalty Credit for KWA Membership paid – 1% Bonus Royalty Discount if sales are 10% or more above previous year – 1 share in the Goal-Buster Pool for each $1000 of royalty paid if goal is met |
| 1K Level requires a $1000 annual fee |
– 1% royalty credit on all 2023 sales over 1K bushel and less than 5K bushels. |
| 5K Level requires a $5,000 annual fee |
– $5,000 credit toward 2023 KWA seed royalty * – Up to $200 Royalty Credit for KWA 2024 Variety License Fees paid – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 5K bushels – $250 Royalty Credit against 2023 Foundation Seed Purchases |
| 10K Level requires $10,000 annual fee |
– $10,000 credit toward 2023 KWA seed royalty * – Up to $400 Royalty Credit for KWA 2024 Variety License Fees paid – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 5K bushels – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 10K bushels – $500 Royalty Credit against all 2023 Foundation Seed Purchases |
| 15K Level requires $15,000 annual fee |
– $15,000 credit toward 2023 KWA seed royalty * – Up to $600 Royalty Credit for KWA 2024 Variety License Fees paid – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 5K bushels – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 10K bushels – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 15K bushels – $750 Royalty Credit against all 2023 Foundation Seed Purchases |
| 20K Level requires $20,000 annual fee |
– $20,000 credit toward 2023 KWA seed royalty * – Up to $800 Royalty Credit for KWA 2024 Variety License Fees paid – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 5K bushels – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 10K bushels – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 15K bushels – 2.5% Royalty Discount on all 2023 sales over 20K bushels – $1000 Royalty Credit against all 2023 Foundation Seed Purchases |
Seed quality plays an important role in crop performance, especially when planting conditions are less than optimal. In addition to any state certifying agency standards, these seed quality testing standards have been established, which could be adjusted annually by a majority vote of the Trailblazer Associates:
Pure seed: 99.00% min |
Other crop seed: 0.01% |
Inert seed: 1.00% max |
Germination: 90.00% min |
Weed seed: .01% max |
Test Weight: 60 lb/bu recommended |
Prohibited weed: none |
TKW: to be set by variety |
Objectionable weed: none |
Fungicide and insecticide seed treatment can improve performance and may be required, with higher application rates encouraged. Generic brands may be acceptable. Seed standards may be higher for non-treated seed.
None of the additional standards above apply when the variety is at least 25% and not more than 50% of a blend.
All blending must have authorization.
Interested seed Associates should complete an application to become a TRAILBLAZER. Preference will be given based on seed production history, sales, document management, geography, seed conditioning facilities and other factors. A personal interview may be required.
All Associates must demonstrate an ability to use best management practices with the goal of maximizing production (not bushels per acre) during the first year they license a variety. The target would be an ability to make at least a 100-fold increase with their first Foundation seed.
Associates must purchase a minimum of 2000 pounds of Foundation seed (40 units and plant a minimum of 60 acres each year. Foundation seed above the minimum order may be allocated based on availability and expected local market factors.
In general, the terms of the Master Wheat License Agreement are the same for Trailblazers with these exceptions:
It is anticipated that all TRAILBLAZER varieties will be PVP with Title IV. Some varieties or traits may also be patented.
The royalty will be the same regardless of whether the seed is sold as a component of a blend or as a non-blended variety.
No refunds of any royalties will be made for any reason.
Royalties on all other KWA varieties (non-TRAILBLAZER) will be according to an established schedule.
KWA is strongly recommending that TRAILBLAZER varieties only be sold to those farmers who have a history of high percentage use of Certified seed. This will help to ensure that those farmers who have been supporting wheat variety development through the regular purchase of Certified seed to meet their needs reap the first and greatest rewards from the use of new, superior genetics. KWA is strongly recommending that if there is any suspicion that the farmer will sell saved seed to others, then the Associate should refrain from selling this seed to the farmer, or at least only do so as a percentage of a blend.
All non-exclusive releases will have a “KS” prefix as part of the variety name to designate its K-State development.
As newer varieties come available to replace TRAILBLAZER varieties, there will be a coordinated effort to cease Foundation seed sales of retiring varieties and initiate non-renewal of variety licenses. Licensees would have 12 months to market remaining inventories.
A strong educational/promotional program coupled with limiting early seed sales will greatly reduce a need for overt enforcement of the PVPA. The honest people will be kept honest. A small penalty can be assessed to first-time offenders. Flagrant offenders should be dealt with aggressively and with non-confidential settlements.
Each TRAILBLAZER variety may have some differences in the way the program is administrated, royalty rates, additional requirements, etc. These things may also vary each year depending on the needs and abilities of the Associates.
The KWA Board has established the Trailblazer Committee. The Trailblazer Committee is a collective marketing group of KWA Seed Associates with these guidelines: