USDA NASS Wheat & Barley Survey Indicates Top Varietals for 2023

The 2023 Wheat and Barley Variety Survey report was released on Aug. 29 by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Mountain Regional Office. Funded by the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee (MWBC), this survey generates vital information to assist breeding programs around the state and beyond select varieties for seeding with the goal of increasing farm profitability.

“In the Treasure State, one of the most impactful bottom-line decisions a wheat and barley farmer can make is varietal selection. There are hundreds of choices, each adapted for specific purposes and environments. Farmers will use various methods to select a variety based on performance data, agronomists, and seed dealers. The goal of this survey is to help uncover the reasoning behind a varietal selection, and to provide valuable feedback to the industry,” said Market Development Director at the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee Sam Anderson.

In collaboration with the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service funded by the Montana Wheat & Barley Committee (MWBC), over 2,940 farmers responded to the survey.

2023 Montana Wheat & Barley Top Varieties

Vida is once again the leading spring wheat variety in Montana for 2023. Vida accounts for 22.5 percent of the 2.80 million acres of spring wheat planted in 2023. The top five varieties account for 56.4 percent of the spring wheat planted in 2023. Montana continues to rank second in spring wheat acreage in the United States, with 24.7 percent of the spring wheat planted in 2023.

Warhorse is again the leading winter wheat variety planted in Montana for 2023. Warhorse accounts for 18.7 percent of the 1.9 million acres of winter wheat planted. The top five varieties account for 59.4 percent of the winter wheat planted for 2023. Montana ranks fifth in winter wheat planted acreage in the United States with 5.2 percent of the 36.8 million acres planted.

Alzada is the leading Durum wheat variety in Montana for 2023. Alzada accounts for 18.5 percent of the 650,000 acres planted. The top varieties account for 69.5 percent of the Durum wheat acreage in Montana for 2023. Montana continues to rank second in Durum wheat planted acreage in the United States with 35.3 percent of the nation’s estimated 1.48 million acres planted in 2023.

AC Metcalfe is once again the leading barley variety in Montana for 2023. AC Metcalfe accounts for 25.5 percent of the 1,200,000 acres planted in 2023. The top five varieties account for 62.4 percent of the barley planted in 2023.

Trait Index

Wheat growers were asked to rank traits in order of importance when choosing a wheat variety for 2023, where 5.00 is the highest and 1.00 is the lowest.

Sawfly resistance was the highest ranked trait of importance when choosing a spring wheat variety, garnering an average of 2.50 points out of 5.00. Drought tolerance was second, with an average of 1.64 points. Test weight was the third most important trait, averaging 1.50 points. Other was in fourth place, with an average of 1.12 points. End use qualities was the fifth-ranked trait, at 0.92 points. These, and all other traits listed on the survey, are illustrated on the following chart.

Other wheat and barley types can be seen at http://www.nass.usda.gov/.

Profitability of Operation

Growers of both barley and wheat were asked about their expectations concerning the profitability of their operation over the next 12 months.

Farmers who expect the profitability of their operation to improve was 25.7 percent. No change in the profitability of their operation was expected by 57.2 percent of farmers and those who expected their operation profitability to decline stood at 17.1 percent.

As farmers wrap up harvest this year, the Wheat & Barley Committee and the Montana Department of Agriculture encourage all producers to reach out to extension agents, agronomists, and seed dealers to discuss available options for growing the highest quality grain possible.