MANHATTAN, KAS. — More than 20 bloggers and columnists from across the United States gathered in Manhattan this week to participate in the first-ever “Wheat Safari,” sponsored by the Wheat Foods Council, Ridgway, Colo.

The Wheat Safari was a chance for participants, many of which were registered dietitians with a following in the health/nutrition/food community, to learn about wheat foods, from their beginnings on a wheat farm, through the milling process and as healthy, nutritious foods on the plates of Americans.

Participants were introduced to the resources of the Wheat Foods Council, the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Home Baking Association, by participating in several hands-on activities, including a gluten lesson by the H.B.A.’s Sharon Davis; a pretzel baking workshop at the American Institute of Baking and a tour of the Hal Ross Flour Mill at K-State, plus a tour of the Farm to Market Bread Co. in Kansas City.

The group also toured the Chapman, Kas.-area farm of Ken Wood, a director on the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. Mr. Wood and his wife, Deb, hosted a luncheon and combine rides for Wheat Safari guests. Mr. Wood had saved about five acres of standing wheat in order to give the bloggers a combine ride.

“The Wheat Safari participants were engaged, curious and asked great questions throughout the combine ride,” Mr. Wood said. “It was a great opportunity to reach out to folks who have likely never met a wheat farmer before.”