The statue was crafted in 1942 by Topeka artist Max Nixon out of native Kansas limestone.

The sculpture rests on a mosaic tile base with the inscription "Commemorating entry into Kansas from Russia of Turkey Red Hard Wheat by Mennonites 1874."

The statue commemorates the introduction from Russia of Turkey Red hard winter wheat by Mennonite settlers, which helped make Kansas the "breadbasket of America."

The statue was jointly financed through a community fundraising drive and a Works Progress Administration (WPA) art project.

The statue was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998[1] and underwent an extensive three-year restoration that was completed in 2000.