In 2021, the University of Vermont Extension’s Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated 35 spring wheat varieties to identify varieties that perform well in production systems in northern Vermont. The trial was established at the Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, Vermont. The 2021 growing season was slightly warmer and significantly drier than the 30-year average. This allowed for early planting in April followed by moderate drought conditions at the research farm. Precipitation from April to July was 4.99 inches below normal. Warm, dry weather during grain dry down is favorable for most cereal grain crops.
Spring wheat trial yields averaged 2,777 lbs per acre. The highest yields were reported for LCS Pro (3793 lbs per acre) and had statistically similar yields to 14 other varieties evaluated in the trials. Test weight was below the industry standard of 60 lbs per bushel for all varieties in the trial. The drought conditions may have reduced test weight of the wheat. Protein was in the optimum 12-15% range for every spring wheat variety planted with a few exceeded 15% protein. Falling numbers also fell within the optimum range for baking with the exception of a few varieties over 400 seconds. The DON levels were below the 1.00 ppm threshold for all varieties in 2021.
The full 2021 Organic Spring Wheat Variety Trial report, and other spring grains research trials, can be found on the Research Results tab of the UVM Extension NWCS webpage.
We would like to acknowledge the support of the USDA NIFA OREI through Award No. 2020-51300-32379.