Ohio Wheat Performance Test confirms suspicions about wet year

Ohio State University (OSU) said Monday that the 2015 Ohio Wheat Performance Test has confirmed suspicions that this past year’s historic rains have negatively affected wheat growth rates, rounding out a tough year for the cash crop.

“Wet weather in May, June and July led to late wheat harvest,” OSU Extension Soybean and Small Grains Specialist Laura Lindsey said. “Many farmers had reduced test weight and increased disease problems. Yields were also lower than normal. June and July were much wetter than normal in many areas, which resulted in a later than normal wheat harvest. Lower than normal test weight and grain yield may be attributed to wet weather in June and July and delayed harvest.”

Conducted annually by researchers at OSU's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, the test informs growers of growth rates and problems areas with the 78 soft red winter wheat varieties currently being grown around the Ohio area – Wood, Crawford, Wayne, Darke and Pickaway counties specifically.

“These performance tests provide wheat producers with comparative information to help them make informed decisions when selecting wheat varieties best suited for their production and market,” Lindsey said. “Because wheat varieties differ in their winter hardiness, disease and insect resistance, yield potential, standability and maturity, information on how they performed can be extremely helpful for growers.”