Wheat and barley variety

2022 Wheat and Barley Variety survey results

mT DEpT. of AgrICuLTurE

The 2022 Wheat and Barley Variety Survey report has recently been released. Funded by the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MWBC), these reports were conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Mountain Regional Office. This information is used to help guide breeding programs in selecting varieties that will ultimately increase farm profitability and end-use marketability of Montana-grown crops.

“The varietal survey provides MSU wheat and barley breeding programs with valuable producer feedback that can be utilized to develop cultivars that will continue to drive international markets toward Montana, ” said Sam Anderson Market Development Director of the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee.

Producers participating in the survey ranked Warhorse as the top winter wheat variety, Vida as the top spring wheat variety, Alzada as the top durum wheat variety, and AC Metcalfe as the top malting barley variety. Wheat and Barley Variety Survey Reports are available online at the USDA NASS website at nass.usda.gov/.

Trait index survey results indicate traits that farmers are considering when deciding which variety to select. In addition to yield and protein, farmers are looking for drought tolerance, sawfly resistance, high test weight and early maturing traits. Montana growers experiencing extreme drought conditions view varietal selection decisions as vital to the farm’ s success.

Comparing the farmer profitability since last year, we saw a 17.4% decline in expected profitability and a 16.6% reduction in overall financial status for treasure state farmers.

As farmers wrap up harvest this year, the Wheat and Barley Committee and Montana Department of Agriculture encourage all producers to reach out to extension agents, agronomists and seed dealers to discuss available options for growing the highest quality grain possible.