Great Falls, Mont. – 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 on-farm profitability
and end-use 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/. Click Here to
view the MT Wheat Varieties Report. Click Here to view the MT Barley Varieties Report.
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.
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Montana Wheat and Barley Committee