North Dakota's wheat crops face varying quality this year. According to Justin Berg, the WestBred technical product manager, the western parts are experiencing fantastic growth due to timely rains. Northeast faces heat stress due to spotty late spring showers, causing temperatures to soar into the high 80s and 90s.
Berg notes that the wheat crop in North Dakota is currently a mixed bag in terms of quality. Recent rainfall in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions is expected to benefit later-seeded wheat, while earlier-seeded wheat has already begun filling grain due to prolonged hot weather and insufficient rain. This variability highlights the diverse state of the wheat crop.
WestBred's plots in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota reflect the different regional needs and are scattered strategically for optimal performance. Notably, the plots in the western regions, such as Mott and Beach, boast excellent wheat varieties that are thriving due to ideal growing conditions and tailored traits like yield, protein content, standability, and straw strength.
Berg emphasizes WestBred's commitment to continually assess their breeding program and make informed decisions about which varieties to pursue. Factors such as straw strength, standability, high yield, protein content, and disease tolerance, including Fusarium head blight (FHB) and bacterial leaf streak (BLS), are crucial considerations for the breeders.
As wheat enters the flowering stage, moisture becomes a risk factor for FHB. Berg highlights the importance of protecting the flag leaf, which contributes significantly to yield. Farmers are advised to consider fungicide applications to safeguard their crops from diseases and mitigate potential damage caused by hailstorms.
Throughout the summer, Berg will be attending WestBred retailer strip trial field days to address any inquiries from farmers. For those interested in WestBred field plot tours, they can contact their local seed retailer for more information.
This season presents a complex landscape for North Dakota wheat crops, with both promising and challenging conditions. WestBred's dedicated breeding program strives to deliver wheat varieties that meet the specific needs of farmers in different regions while addressing key traits like yield, protein content, and disease tolerance.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Wheat