There is a saying about wheat that it has to die at least twice before it can be harvested. That was very much the case with this year’s crop. Wheat had to withstand many difficult factors including drought, freezes, rusts and diseases. Even with all of the stressors, the harvest was better than many thought it would be. One way to see how different varieties withstand the same stressors on a given year is to have a wheat plot where you plant them side by side in the same field. By comparing several varieties under the same conditions, you can get a good idea on how they will produce in the area.
This year, David Strecker played host to the wheat plot for Barton County K-State Research and Extension on his land. It was planted on October 10, 2014, with a seeding rate of 80 lbs. /acre, and 44 lbs of DAP 18-46-0 topdress. The plot was then harvested on June 29, 2015. For the entire plot, the average yield was 37.24 bushels / acre (bu/A) and the Test weight average was 58.58 lbs. 1863 was the top variety at this plot site at 58.17 bu/A and a test weight of 60.7 Lbs. The results from the plot in descending order were Grainfield, Cedar, T158, Oakley, Gallagher, 4458, Southwind, Mint, Doublestop, Kanmark, Byrd, Brawl, Ruby Lee, Redhawk, IBA, and Wizard.
With the unusual weather patterns we have seen for the past few years, this information gives producers a starting point for the decision process on what they will want to plant this fall. If anyone would like a copy of the results, please contact me and I would be happy to get you a copy either by mail or e-mail. We will also have the 2015 State Variety trial publications at our office when they are finished compiling all of the information from around the state. Hopefully, that will be by the beginning of September for anyone to pick up and use to help make decisions for your next wheat crop.
I would like to thank David Strecker for planting the 2015 test plot for K-State Research and Extension. Without people like Dave that are willing to take the time to plant a plot, area growers would not have the chance to see firsthand the different varieties of wheat growing side by side to help make educated decisions about their own production. If you know anyone, or if you would like to help out by planting a wheat plot this fall, please contact me at the extension office or e-mail me for more information. Again, without people like David, the educational plots cannot happen.
Alicia Boor is the Agriculture and Natural Resources agent for Barton County K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910