Montana Wheat & Barley Committee Releases Variety Survey Reports
The 2021 Wheat and Barley Variety Survey reports are now available. Funded by the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee, these reports were conducted by the National Agricultural Statistics Service Mountain Regional Office to help guide breeding programs in selecting cultivars to develop that will ultimately increase the onfarm profitability and enduse marketability of Montana- grown crops.
“The varietal survey provides state 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 Cassidy Marn, executive vice president of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee. “Survey results show that Montana growers really value end-use qualities when they are choosing which varieties to grow, and the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is pleased to have a sound baseline of research to continue building on.”
A trait index was added to the variety survey this year to allow producers to rank their top factors for wheat and barley varieties. Producers participating in the survey ranked Warhorse as the top winter wheat variety, Vida as the top spring wheat variety, Divide 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/.
A commitment to overall agronomic and end-use quality ensures that newly released varieties continue to enhance the desirability of Montana grain. Over the last five years, Montana producers have received significant premiums on winter and spring wheat resulting in an additional $270 million for producers compared to other wheat producing states. The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is committed to strengthening premiums through end use quality and education.
As farmers wrap up harvest this year, the Wheat and Barley Committee and Montana Department of Agriculture encourage them to reach out to Extension agents, agronomists, and seed dealers to discuss available options to grow the highest quality grain possible.
The Montana Wheat and Barley Committee is a producer- funded and directed check-off organization for wheat and barley growers in the state. Its mission is to protect and foster the health and prosperity of the Montana wheat and barley industry by encouraging scientific research to improve production and quality; maintaining current markets; promoting new market development; and serving as an educational and informational resource. Visit montanawbc.com for more information.
