Wheat variety selection for 2008 and beyond

From the University of Minnesota Extension:

With spring wheat prices at record levels, correct selection of varieties to minimize risk and maximize yield is essential.

Jochum Wiersma, University of Minnesota Extension small grains specialist, follows certain assumptions when he selects hard red spring wheat varieties.

He knows that premiums and discounts for wheat are unknown at the time varieties are selected. He also knows that the severity of Fusarium head blight and leaf rust, as well as the type of growing season that will occur, are unknown.

Then, he selects varieties that help him control the risk of these unknown elements. He only selects varieties that have a leaf-rust rating of four or less.

On one-third of the acres he will plant, he selects varieties with the best possible genetic resistance/tolerance to Fusarium head blight.

“Freyr and Glenn remain the hedges for FHB,” said Wiersma.

On another third of the acres, he selects varieties that offer a balance between grain protein and grain yield.

“Howard, Steele-ND, Briggs and RB07 are all selections that fit well in the definition of a balanced variety,” said Wiersma.

On the remaining third of the acres, he plants varieties that maximize grain yield.

“I hedge against possible problems and mix and match my varieties such that in any given year, I try to maximize my returns given the uncertainties I face,” Wiersma said.