Prairie Grains Nov/Dec 2023 by mnwheat

SEIZE THE SEASON WITH WHEAT THAT’S NORTHERN REGION STRONG.

To get the most out of your ﬁelds, you need wheat that can endure the region’s toughest challenges. Varieties like WB9590 and WB9479 provide excellent yield potential, standability and protein content. Trust WestBred® to help you get the most out of every acre.

Now’s the Time. Boldly Grow. Seize the Season.

PUBLISHER AND CIRCULATION

Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers

2600 Wheat Drive • Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 218.253.4311 • Email: mnwheat@mnwheat.com Web: www.mnwheat.org

EDITORIAL

Drew Lyon, Ag Management Solutions

1020 Innovation Lane • Mankato, MN 56001

Ph: 507.388.1635

Email: dlyon@agmgmtsolutions.com

CONTENT EDITORS

Sydney Harris, Ag Management Solutions

Ph: 218.689.5091

Email: sharris@agmgmtsolutions.com

Katelyn Engquist, Ag Management Solutions Ph: 507.508.1540

Email: kengquist@agmgmtsolutions.com

ART DIRECTORS

Kaelyn Rahe, Ag Management Solutions Ph: 507.388.1635

Email: krahe@agmgmtsolutions.com

Alex Troska, Ag Management Solutions Ph: 952.334.2539

Email: atroska@agmgmtsolutions.com

ADVERTISING SALES

Erin Rossow, Ag Management Solutions 1020 Innovation Lane • Mankato, MN 56001 Ph: 507.902.9191

Email: erin.rossow@agmgmtsolutions.com

ABOUT PRAIRIE GRAINS

Prairie Grains magazine is published six times annually and delivered free of charge to members of these grower associations, and to spring wheat and barley producers in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana. To subscribe or change address, please write or call our circulation department.

OUR PARTNERS

Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers and Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council 2600 Wheat Drive • Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 218.253.4311 • Email: mnwheat@mnwheat.com Web: www.mnwheat.org

Prairie Grains Prairie Grains

November December - 2023 | Issue 196

Against the Grain: A grower’s gratitude

Taming the Bulls & Bears: Betsy Jensen knows

Election Selection: MAWG directors running for reelection, seek at-large candidate

Praire Grains Conference 2023 preview 16

Building blocks: Ag Innovation Campus unveils facility during grand opening

North Dakota Grain Growers Association 2401 46th Ave SE , Suite 204 • Mandan, ND 58554 701.222.2216 • Email: danw@ndgga.com Web: www.ndgga.com

South Dakota Wheat Growers Association 116 N. Euclid, Box 667 • Pierre, SD 58501 605.224.4418 • Email: wheatinc@midco.net

Montana Grain Growers Association

P.O. Box 1165 • Great Falls, MT 59403 • 406.761.4596 Email: erobinson@mgga.org • Web: www.mgga.org

Northland Community and Technical College 1101 Highway One East • Thief River Falls, MN 56701 218.683.8800

Email: ron.dvergsten@northlandcollege.edu Web: www.northlandcollege.edu

Cover Story

Our yearly special edition of Prairie Grains highlights the results from the 2023 Variety Trials from leading public and private researchers. Take a closer look into each trial and follow-up with industry leaders at the 2023 Prairie Grains Conference!

A Grower’s Gratitude

The gales of November have descended and, with it, an early snowfall. Though this is frustrating, Minnesota wheat growers are experts at handling the cards we have been dealt.

Though the fields won’t be needing our attention in the coming months, there are plenty of events on the calendar that my attention will be focused on – and I hope yours will be too. Of important note is the annual Prairie Grains Conference Dec. 13-14 in Grand Forks, N.D. This is our premier event, bringing several commodities and multiple state organizations together. It’s a great educational opportunity to learn about what’s happening in our industry and a chance to reconnect with colleagues from across Minnesota and our neighboring states. Thank you to our conference partners, Minnesota Barley and North Dakota Grain Growers, and our several business sponsors and exhibitors – we couldn’t do it without your support.

In November, I attended the National Association of Wheat Growers’ (NAWG) fall conference in Cincinnati, a joint meeting with U.S. Wheat Associates (USW). This meeting was chockfull of wheat grower advocacy discussions and industry updates. As one of Minnesota’s representatives on NAWG, I’m excited to visit with wheat growers from across the nation and work together to strengthen our industry.

While my time as president of the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers (MAWG) is coming to a close, there is an abundance to be

thankful for during my tenure. First and foremost, I’m grateful to our MAWG members. Your support of this organization ensures that wheat growers across the state have a seat at the table in St. Paul and Washington, D.C.

With a Farm Bill still in the works, it’s important now more than ever for us to engage with our elected leaders. In August, I had the privilege of hosting Sen. Tina Smith on my farm in Bejou to discuss the important components of the Farm Bill, such as an increased wheat reference price. Without membership support, these sorts of opportunities to positively influence our legislators would be impossible. If you aren’t already, please consider becoming a MAWG member today. Sen. Smith’s visit wasn’t the first from a legislator. During my twoyear tenure as president, I was also able to visit with Rep. Michelle Fischbach when she was touring rural Minnesota. Visits with our elected officials are just one way that Minnesota Wheat has a seat at the table; media coverage is another avenue for us to represent Minnesota wheat growers. In recent years, MAWG has been featured on Fox Business News, The Tucker Carlson Show, KARE 11 and in the Star Tribune, among many others. This level of state and national coverage allows us to tell our story to a broad audience. Without membership support from you all, this wouldn’t be possible.

This issue is our special expanded Variety Trials edition featuring our trial data from our Extension friends from Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, along with private seed companies. Though it looked dicey in the beginning, many of us were pleasantly surprised with our wheat harvest yields. We also profile MAWG Second Vice President Austen Germolus, who was awarded Norman County’s Farm Family of the Year award at Farmfest.

Before I sign off as president, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to lead this organization over the past two years. The support from my fellow MAWG board members and from wheat growers across the state has been tremendous. Thank you to each and every one of you. It has been my pleasure to represent Minnesota wheat growers at the state and national level and I look forward to continuing advocating on your behalf.

As the harvest season winds down and the holiday season ramps up, I hope that everyone gets the rest they deserve and enjoys plenty of time with family and friends. Hopefully, I’ll see many of you in December at the Prairie Grains Conference. If not, we’ll see you in the new year.

Mike Gunderson

Mike Gunderson farms in Bejou and serves as president of the Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers.

Betsy

Jensen is a Farm Business Management Instructor at Northland Community and Technical College. Follow her on Twitter at @jensenbetsyr.

IKYK

If you understand the title of this article, you were probably born after 1980. Texting has its own language. I was born before 1980 but pick up bits and pieces of this new language. Sometimes there are things we cannot understand, decode, predict or quantify. I will admit I cannot understand my 2023 wheat yields. How on earth did my farm have above average wheat yields in 2023? Hot summer, late seeding, dry weather and somehow our yields were above average. I learned that ugly fields do not equate to poor yields. I saw other farmers scratching their heads, too.

I am a numbers person and I want to quantify everything. If the stocks to use ratio is X, that equates to price Y. If yield projections decline with each USDA report, that equates to a higher price trend. If we have triple digit temperatures in June with no rain, I expect a poor spring wheat crop. I want to find equations to all my questions. Relying on gut instinct, luck and wives’ tales is very uncomfortable for me. I know you know.

We try to find patterns in pricing and look at historical movements to create those equations, but along comes a big

export sale, crop problems in South America, or a world conflict. Our markets are called futures markets, not present markets. They are trying to predict the price in the future, not the price today. That USDA report was old news two minutes after it was released.

My 2023 yields were reminders that there is no perfect equation for bumper yields. Quite a few things can go wrong, and yields might still be fine. We can get bullish news for four days in a row and prices will rally. One day of bearish news and it’s all wiped out. Life isn’t fair. I know you know.

I am already looking ahead to 2024 sales. I have much of my fertilizer, seed and land rent locked in. If I run the numbers with average yields, I can make money at the 2024 prices. Not a lot of money, but there are some profits. I have profitability equations and revenue is equal to or greater than expenses. I need to listen to the math and have confidence in my equation.

I spend too much time with “What If” scenarios. What if yields are poor? What if I sell and prices go higher? What if we exceed our repair budget? What if it’s wet and we hire the

airplane for every acre? I see the most likely scenario in front of me, but my mind sees the worst-case scenario in the background. I know you know.

My pledge for 2024 is to not be the worst-case scenario planner. What if things DO work as planned? What if my cash flow is darn close? What if revenue exceeds my plans? I joke that farmers are a pessimistic bunch, and I am joining their end of the world club a little more each year.

I am going to remember the years (like 2023) when the crop looked horrible, and we pulled a rabbit out of a hat. I am going to remember the purpose of forward contracting. It is not picking a high but spreading risk. I won’t panic or rejoice before the crop is harvested and sold.

I will remind myself that there are things that we cannot understand, quantify, decode or predict. Basically, life is a USDA program (I’m looking at you IRA, ERP2 and PARP). There are no perfect equations to predict yields, prices or profitability. Try to remember the good scenarios along with the bad.

And the title of this article? Well, I know you know.

‘Leaders lead’: MN Soybean Growers president promotes MDA’s Water Quality Program

Although he’d already adopted best management practices on his Lake Benton family farm, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) President Bob Worth hadn’t seriously considered joining the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).

“I had heard about it through Farmfest and Soybean Business, but never knew much about the program,” Worth said.

That all changed when Worth visited the European Union Delegation in Washington, D.C., with his fellow MSGA directors. Worth learned how becoming certified would mean he was doing his part toward making Minnesota’s high-quality soybeans more attractive to European buyers. Becoming MAWQCP certified also meant Worth could play a role in dispelling myths about modern farming production practices.

“There was so much misinformation on what we do, and it opened my eyes,” Worth said.

During an event inside his farm shop, Worth – alongside Rep. Michelle Fischbach, Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Commissioner Thom Petersen, Minnesota State Sen. Bill Weber and assorted officials and fellow farmers – spoke about the “simple process” of enrolling. The event was hosted by MAWQCP Program Manager Brad Jordahl Redlin.

“Leaders lead, and people like Bob lead by example and it makes our job easier,” said Troy Daniell, Minnesota state director with the National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

Rep. Fischbach, who represents Worth’s district, commended Minnesota farmers for their proactive measures to improve soil health.

“Farmers are the first conservationists,” she said. “They’ll do what’s right and take care of their farm and their land.”

By becoming certified, Worth is encouraging other growers to follow his lead.

“This is something we need to really have all of us do in Minnesota,” said Worth, who farms with his son, Jon, and wife, Gail. “And if I don’t do it, how can I expect other members to do it?”

Commissioner Petersen said the program has blossomed, thanks in part to farmers and stakeholders working together to spread the message about the myriad benefits of enrolling.

“It’s really a partnership,” he said. “A lot of the money that supports this program comes from the Farm Bill and the Legacy funds that Sen. Weber works with. NRCS is our host agency, and our Soil and Water Districts are key partners.”

‘Ahead of the curve’

The MAWQCP connects growers with local conservation district experts to identify and mitigate any risks their farm poses to water quality on a field-by-field basis. Farmers enrolled in the MAWQCP enjoy higher profits than non-certified farms, according to a recent study by the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence. The 101 MAWQCP farms in the study reported 2022 net farm income an average of more than $23,500 or 7.5% higher than non-certified farms. Over four years of data, the average income for MAWQCP farms was $16,000-$40,000 higher.

“The economic sustainability is impressive,” Daniell said. “That ensures that level of stewardship will sustain producers.” Worth said MSGA is committed to continue supporting the MAWQCP.

“This program is going to help the whole state of Minnesota for agriculture,” he said. “We’re going to keep moving this program along and we’ll get all the farmers certified.”

Election Selection

MAWG directors running for reelection, seek at-large position

By Drew Lyon

The Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers (MAWG) has a five-decade track record of attracting talented, forward-thinking advocates.

Serving three-year terms, the MAWG Board of Directors supports seven members – two representing District 1; a pair representing District 2 and three at-large positions serving the entire state.

Farmer-directors gather six times annually to discuss important policies and initiatives. Along with board meetings, directors participate in lobbying trips to St. Paul and Washington, D.C., attend the MAWG Annual Convention during the Prairie Grains Conference and travel to National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) meetings. MAWG appreciates that family and farming are top priorities for directors; thus, time commitment outside of regular board meetings is up to each individual board member.

This year, two directors – Mike Gunderson and Kevin Leiser – are running for reelection in District 2, while outgoing Director Steve Lacey’s departure leaves an AtLarge position open.

Mike Gunderson – District 2

Serving on the MAWG board provides farmers like President Mike Gunderson a unique opportunity to host legislators and display the unique farming practices of Minnesota wheat producers. In summer 2023, the Bejou farmer hosted Sen. Tina Smith, a member of the Senate Ag Committee, for a private visit on his farm.

“I got to show her the characteristics of wheat and explain a little bit more about wheat farming,” he said in October during soybean harvest. “It was good rapport-building. She’s open to learning, and if I wasn’t part of MAWG, Sen. Smith wouldn’t have been out to my farm to have a conversation on what’s affecting wheat growers. That’s why

it’s important to be affiliated with ag groups – it gets you to the table.”

Gunderson’s two-year presidential term is expected to conclude at MAWG’s annual meeting at Prairie Grains Conference, but he’s running again for his District 2 position.

“I believe in serving in your community, whether it’s ag or something else,” said Gunderson, who’s been a MAWG director for about five years and previously served 12 years with Minnesota Farm Bureau. “It was how I was raised.”

Gunderson also represents MAWG on the national board. Despite numerous climate and political challenges both at home and abroad, 2023 was a successful year.

“It turned out pretty good,” he said. “I was really happy with the wheat.”

Kevin Leiser – District 2

For the past few years, Fertile farmer Kevin Leiser has juggled positions on both MAWG and the Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council while also representing Minnesota on NAWG.

“I think somebody has to be able to tell our story,” said Leiser, who’s MAWG’s current first vice president. “What they don’t realize in D.C. is every farmer is different – their operations, how they do things – everything is a little different. What we do is different than what they do in Oregon or Kansas, so we try to make sure the policies fit the Upper Midwest and Minnesota.”

Leiser senses a similar disconnect at the state capital in St. Paul.

“Our Minnesota Legislature is dominated by urban populations that have no idea how things work out here,” Leiser said. “Something can sound good but the practicality of it isn’t there, and we have to get our message through that it doesn’t always work in real-time.”

As a longtime farmer-leader, Leiser said his activity not only helps his industry, but he also builds relationships and improves his operation through his affiliation with Minnesota Wheat.

“The biggest thing I see is we get to meet different farmers and you’ll get to see how their operation works and learn how every operation is so different,” he said. “Then, you end up meeting some good friends and people you can discuss things on the state and national level with.”

Leiser hopes that a farmer from the southern area of Minnesota’s wheat country is interested in the at-large position.

“We have about four guys within about 30 miles,” Leiser said, “so while we’re encouraging any wheat farmer who’s interested to apply, we’d love to find someone in a different area, so we have a bit more diversity.”

Leiser and his brother, Kurt, raised eight different crops in 2023: spring wheat, corn, soybeans, black beans, sunflower, rye, oats and field peas. A dry growing season didn’t spoil Leiser’s spring wheat harvest; he also heard many favorable reports from fellow farmers and is looking forward to following up with his colleagues during the 2023 Prairie Grains Conference.

“We must’ve got just enough rain, and it was cool when it was flowering and filling out,” he said. “That must’ve been able to do it, because otherwise it was very hot.”

Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers (MAWG)

Seeks Board Member Nominations

Structure of the MAWG Board

Seven members serve on the MAWG Board of Directors. Two represent District 1; two represent District 2; and three At-large serving the entire state. Members serve three year terms on the board and there is a term limitation of three consecutive three-year terms.

Nomination Process:

To become a candidate and place your name on the ballot, call the MN Wheat office at 218-253-4311 ext. 1 or visit https://bit.ly/2KGHnlN to obtain a nomination form.

Nomination Deadline: December 13, 2023

Election Process:

Elections for At-large positions will be conducted at the MAWG Annual Business meeting on December 13, 2023. Elections for District 2 will be conducted by mail ballot.

Commitment for MAWG Board members

The MAWG Board of Directors meet approximately six times a year, usually in January, February, March, June, September, and November.

The Board of Directors are encouraged to attend and participate in MAWG Annual Convention in December during the Prairie Grains Conference and the National Assocation of Wheat Growers meetings. There are other meetings that some board members should attend, however, they are a matter of choice if individuals are available to participate. MAWG BoD are encourage to attend lobbying trips to DC and to the MN State Capital in St. Paul. Board members travel with other MAWG officers to meet with our state elected officials.

Board meetings are usually held in Red Lake Falls and last four-six hours. Pertinent information is sent out via email regularly to keep board members updated. The time commitment after the regular board meetings is up to each individual board member. We always say “the farm and family always comes before MAWG activities”. Everyone understands this, but sometimes board members have not always followed that rule when pressing issues were at hand. Many of our board members state that being on the board has helped them

in their farming operations, i.e. meet people with new ideas, expanding their knowledge and generally help them have a larger view of the industry they are in.

Board members are not paid for their involvement, however, their travel related expenses are covered by MAWG. In addition, each active board member receives a $50 per meeting stipend (plus mileage) that is meant to cover some of the other costs associated with being a board member.

Thank you for your interest in your Association. Visit mnwheat.org to learn more about the organization. If you have questions, please call 218-253-4311 ext. 1.

Positions Up For Election

District 2 - 2 Directors - 2 open positions, 2 incumbents: Mike Gunderson, Bejou & Kevin Leiser, Fertile

At-large - 3 Directors - 1 open position, no incumbents

BUILDING Ag Innovation Campus unveils

By Mark Askelson

Northwest Minnesota community members joined local and regional dignitaries, area farmers and media for the first public look at the new cutting-edge Ag Innovation Campus (AIC) in Crookston. In September, AIC hosted its grand opening ceremony in conjunction with the Big Iron Farm Show, with an open house, tours and remarks from AIC officials and those involved in the creation of the facility.

For the leaders who helped make the AIC a reality, the grand opening was a triumphant moment and signaled huge opportunities for the region’s ag economy.

“What makes this facility so amazing is the vision and the mission that it is going to hold for agriculture,” Acting AIC CEO Tom Slunecka said in his opening remarks. “Not only will AIC empower the value of agriculture in the region and add value with new employees to the city of Crookston, but this facility is going to change agriculture as a whole.”

After nearly five years of advocating, planning and construction, the Ag Innovation Campus facility itself is complete, but is awaiting a few final components before launching formal operations in the fall.

“Getting to this point was no easy task. We had to navigate COVID-19. We dealt with supply chain shortages, workforce shortages and inflation,” said AIC Board Chair and Beltrami,

Minn., farmer Mike Skaug. “That makes this moment all the more rewarding. It’s also rewarding to know that farmer-led advocacy was crucial in putting the Ag Innovation Campus in a position to succeed.”

The grand opening ceremony took place in the loading bay of the Ag Innovation Campus, which was packed with about 200 attendees from around the region who were excited to learn more about this one-of-a-kind facility, perhaps none more so than Crookston Mayor Dale Stainbrook.

“The city of Crookston is honored to be the home of AIC, its staff and all of the unique, forward-thinking agricultural products we expect to come from this facility,” said Mayor Stainbrook.

To begin the tour, the AIC visited the Northern Crops Institute (NCI) in Fargo. During the tour, NCI showcased

its flour mill and pasta and extruder labs. Tim Dufault, who chairs both NCI and the Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council, said the AIC’s potential to foster research for new uses for soybeans and other oil seed crops bodes well for producers in the Prairie Grains readership area.

“I’ve been following the development of the campus for several years,” he said. “This facility has a big vision and once it reaches it full capabilities, it’s going to have a tremendous impact on the ag economy. Farmers should be excited about this investment.”

‘A tremendous opportunity’

In the spirit of the AIC’s bipartisan support, the event also brought in several legislative and agency dignitaries. Minnesota Department

BLOCKS facility during grand opening

of Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen, State Sen. Mark Johnson, Rep. Deb Kiel and Ben Lien from Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s office all shared remarks during the grand opening.

“The AIC is going to give Minnesota a tremendous opportunity and edge over our competitors, but it also shows the investment and foresight that the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council (MSR&PC) and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association (MSGA) had when envisioning this facility,” Commissioner Petersen said.

Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council Chair Tom Frisch, Minnesota Soybean Growers Association President Bob Worth, Agricultural Utilization Research Institute Executive Director Shannon Schlecht, Crookston Area Chamber

of Commerce Executive Director

Janelle Wald and National FFA Central Region Vice President Karstyn Cantrell also shared the stage during the grand opening.

“Thanks to checkoff support from both the Council and United Soybean Board, the AIC is bringing both public and private industry together to bring ideas and technologies from benchtop all the way to commercialization,” said Frisch, who farms in Dumont and also serves as AIC treasurer. “The AIC will also allow for teaching of the next generation of crush plant managers and operation personnel, and we’re confident that the AIC can continue to keep our industry at the forefront of new and emerging technologies and valueadded uses.”

Once running, this not-for-profit

facility will produce an estimated 240 tons of soybean meal daily, equaling a grand total of 62,400 tons of soybean meal per year. With three independently operated mechanic crush systems, the AIC will be able to crush organic, non-GMO and GMO soybeans.

The crush plant is only the first phase in this three-phase project. Phase two will feature an office complex and research labs. Phase three consists of rentable discovery bays that will be available for short to midterm use. Companies can then use the space to prove their designs at full production scale. The “Crushwalk” will also allow visitors to view the processing facility in a safe and bio secure manner.

“Phases two and three are when the AIC will really start to shine and come together,” Slunecka said. “The icing on the cake for all this is we’ll also be able to do a lot of education and train tomorrow’s operators.”

The grand opening and soy education throughout the facility was made possible by the United Soybean Board, the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council and the soybean checkoff.

To learn more about the Ag Innovation Campus, visit www. aginnovationcampus.org. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Tom Slunecka at tslunecka@ agmgmtsolutions.com

December 13-14, 2023

Alerus Center, Grand Forks, ND

Thursday Keynote Speakers

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Exhibitors:

21st Century Genetics

A&S Ag Sales

ADM Processing

Agassiz Seed & Supply

AgCountry FCS

AgNews890

Agricultural Utilization

Research Institute

AgriPro/Syngenta

Anchor Ingredients

Anheuser-Busch

BASF

Bayer CropScience

Bremer Bank

Bushel

Cargill Inc

Central Life Sciences

CHS, Inc

Corteva Agriscience

Dakota Ingredients

Dakota REV

Duluth Seaway Port Auth

Eastman

Ellingson

First Community CU

GK Technology Inc

Helena Agri-Enterprises

Labor Inbound LLC

Landmark Companies

Limagrain Cereal Seeds

Meridian Seeds LLC

MN Ag & Rural Leadership

MN Ag in the Classroom

MN Ag Water Quality

Certification Program

MN Crop Improvement Assn

MN Farm Bureau Federation

Ultima Bank Minnesota University of Minnesota West Central Ag Services WestBred

MN Farm Bureau Financial Services

MN Farmers Union

MN Soybean Research & Promotion Council

MN Ag Water Resource Center

NCTC Farm Business Management

ND Crop Improvement & Seed Assn

Northern Crops Institute

Pifer's Auction

Pioneer Hi Bred Seeds

Pivot Bio

Plant Power Agriculture

Red River Farm Network

Red River Retention Authority

Red River Watershed Mgmt Board

Richland IFC Inc

Rivard's Turf & Forage Inc

Spray Advantage

Spraytec Fertilizers

Stine Seed

Syngenta

Wednesday, December 13th

Registration by November 28, 2023 is required for all meal ticket guarantees. Don’t delay!

Morning Sessions Lunch & Afternoon Sessions

11 th Annual On-Farm Research Summit

Listen to updates on this year’s on-farm research results and participate in group discussions about what the data could mean for wheat and soybean production in our region.

7:30 a.m. Registration, Breakfast and Social

8:00 a.m. Welcome

• Copper at Tillering on Wheat

• N Rates on High Yielding Wheat Varieties

• Pivot Bio Biological Wheat Seed Treatment

• Johnson-Su Bioreactor Biological Seed Treatment

• Rock Rolling Wheat

• Soil Health Partnership

• South Dakota Soybean On-farm Research Program

• Timing Termination When Greenseeding Soybeans into Cereal Rye

• How to Make an Inch of Rain Count

11:45 a.m. Wrap-up

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

North Dakota Crop Improvement MeetingEastern Regional

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

North Dakota Barley

Council County Representatives Meeting

10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Red River Basin Flood Damage Reduction Work Group (FDRWG)

12:00 p.m. Lunch

(Guaranteed for those registered prior to Nov. 28, 2023)

12:00 - 5:00 p.m. Minnesota Wheat Research Committee

The committee will be hearing presentations from researchers who have submitted research pre-proposals for funding by the Minnesota Wheat check-off.

1:30 - 4:00 p.m.

Minnesota & North Dakota Malting Barley Program

Everyone interested in barley markets and production are welcome.

1:30 p.m. Welcome

Ryan Hough, MN Barley & Nathan Boll, ND Barley

1:35 p.m. Barley Variety Selections

Dr. Max Fraser, AB North American Barley Breeder, Ft. Collins, CO

2:00 p.m. U.S. Beer Markets

Lester Jones, VP Analytics and Chief Economist, Washington, D.C.

2:30 p.m. Pet Food Market

Tony Rosing, Anchor Ingredients

3:00 p.m. Malting Barley Market

Mark Black, Malteurop, Great Falls, MT and Nikki Zahradka, US Director of Agronomy, Anheuser Busch

Afternoon Sessions continued Wednesday, December 13th

2:00 - 3:00 p.m.

MAWG Resolutions Committee Meeting

The MAWG Resolutions Committee is made up of MAWG members who attended the first meeting in Red Lake Falls. The committee will address unresolved resolutions and new resolutions presented in writing by MAWG members. The final resolutions will be presented at the Annual Business Meeting at 4:00 p.m.

Meal tickets are guaranteed for those who register by Tuesday, November 28, 2023 Don’t delay - Register TODAY!

Social, Banquet, and Live Auction

3:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Minnesota Soybean Growers County Association Meeting

County leaders from the region will get together to discuss county and regional projects and promotional programs. This is an open meeting and everyone is encouraged to attend to learn more about your soybean organization.

3:30 - 4:00 p.m.

21st Century Genetics Meeting

Open to the public.

4:00 - 5:00 p.m. North Dakota Grain Growers Annual Meeting

4:00 - 5:30 p.m. MN Assn of Wheat Growers & MN Barley Growers Assn Annual Business Meeting

The associations will report on their activities, discuss and vote on resolutions and conduct the annual business of each association. This will include the election of board positions. All members are encouraged to attend.

People with a passion for our region’s agriculture - Coming together to celebrate and build relationships

5:15 p.m. Social – Hors d’oeuvres & Refreshments

6:15 p.m. Welcome and Dinner

7:15 p.m. Minnesota Assocation of Wheat Growers & North Dakota Grain Growers recognition and awards

7:30 p.m. Concluding Remarks, Hospitality and Live Auction

Hospitality hosted by:

This conference is made possible in part through membership in the participating commodity organizations.

If you grow it - support it! Consider joining today!

See the registration desk for membership details.

Thursday, December 14th

6:30 a.m. Registration & Breakfast

7:00 a.m. Wheat & Soybean Research Reporting Sessions - see next page

8:00 a.m. Exhibit Hall opens

8:50 a.m. Break in Exhibit Hall

9:00 a.m. Welcome

9:10 a.m.

10:00 a.m.

Ag Market Trends 2024 and Beyond

John Griffith

Executive Vice President, Ag Business & CHS Hedging, CHS, Inc

Review of where we were in 2023 and what we can expect in 2024. Discussion of grain prices, fertilizer, chemical and fuel price and availability for 2024.

Carbon: Driver of Markets On and Off the Farm

Lance Gunderson

Owner, Regen Ag Lab

Lance will present on the various roles of carbon and how to properly test your soil for use in carbon markets and building soil health.

10:45 a.m. Break in Exhibit Hall

11:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions - see next page

12:00 p.m. Lunch & Visit Exhibit Hall

1:00 p.m. El Niño and the 2024 Growing Season

Daryl Ritchison

Meteorologist & Director of the ND Agricultural Weather Network (NDAWN)

Not much in weather gets hyped like an El Niño. Daryl will explain how the ongoing El Niño may impact the 2024 growing season, not only in the United States, but also its impacts on the 2023-2024 growing season in South America. In addition, he will fill us in on NDAWN’s expansion in Minnesota in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.

2:00 p.m. Break in Exhibit Hall

2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions - see next page

3:15 p.m. Visit Exhibit Hall

3:45 p.m. Conference Closes

See you next year - December 11-12, 2024!

Thursday, December 14th

Wheat Reporting Session

6:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast Sponsored by MN Wheat check-off

7:00 a.m. NDSU Wheat Quality Survey – Dr. Shahidul Islam, Assistant Professor Spring Wheat Quality, NDSU

7:20 a.m. Evaluating the Impact of Drain Spacing and Fungicide Seed Treatment on Common Root Rot and Fusarium Crown Rot in Wheat – Dr. Ashok Chanda, Associate Professor, Extension Sugarbeet Pathologist, U of MN

7:40 a.m. Southern Small Grains Research & Extension – Dr. Jochum Wiersma, Small Grains Specialist, U of MN

8:00 a.m. Bacterial Seed Inoculation to Improve Nitrogen Uptake and Use Efficiency in Wheat – Dr. Lindsay Pease, Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist Nutrient and Water Management, U of MN

8:20 a.m. Planting Green Along the Red – Dr. Lindsay Pease, Assistant Professor, Extension Specialist Nutrient and Water Management, U of MN

Concluding Remarks

Soybean Reporting Session

6:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast Sponsored by MN Soybean check-off

7:00 a.m. Soybean Breeding and Genetics at the University of Minnesota – Dr. Aaron Lorenz, Professor of Soybean Breeding and Genetics, U of MN

7:30 a.m. A Summary of 2023 Insect Pest, SCN and Frogeye Leaf Spot Project – Dr. Angie Peltier, Extension Educator - Crops, U of MN

7:45 a.m. Cold Hardiness of Soybean Gall Midge – Pheylan Anderson, MS student, Entomology, U of MN

8:00 a.m. Evaluating Control Methods for a New Leafmining Pest of Soybean in Minnesota – Arthur Viera, Research Associate, Entomology, U of MN

8:15 a.m. Determining the Current Population of Phytophthora sojae that is Causing Stem and Root Rot in Minnesota Soybeans – Dr. Angie Peltier, Extension EducatorCrops, U of MN

8:25 a.m. Evaluating Soybean Varieties to Identify Genetic and Sources of Resistance and Escape Against White Mold – Dr. Angie Peltier, Extension Educator - Crops, U of MN

8:35 a.m. Cultivating Positive Industry Partnerships to Provide Neutral Third-Party Multi-Industry Soybean Input Comparisons to Growers – Andrew Lueck & Jenna Whitmore, Next Gen Ag LLC

Concluding Remarks

11:15 a.m. Breakout Sessions

45 minute sessions

Spring Wheat Variety Performance – Dr. Jim Anderson, Professor and Spring Wheat Breeder, U of MN

2022 FINBIN Farm Financial and Production Highlights – Ron Dvergsten and Greg Dvergsten, Farm Business Management Instructors, Northland Community & Technical College

Future of Soybean Breeding and Genetics

– Dr. Aaron Lorenz, Professor of Soybean Breeding and Genetics, U of MN

What’s New? Using Bio Stimulants and Micronutrients to Increase Northern Plains Small Grain and Broadleaf Yields – Travis Jones, Stoller USA and Chad Rubbelke, Rubbelke Farms, Des Lacs, ND

Fertilizer Optimization-How to Improve Fertilizer Efficiency – Robbie Holthusen, Product Manager and Steven McKechnie, AGRIntelligence Agronomist for the Midwest Division’s North Area

Managing Hard Red Spring Wheat for High Quality and High Yield in ND and MN – Dr. Clair Keene, Assistant Professor/Agronomist, NDSU

Data Management for Precision Agriculture – Dr. Rob Proulx, Extension Agriculture Technology Systems Specialist, NDSU

Tapping Into New Markets: How to Grow the Brewing Industry in ND – Moderator: Scott Meyer, Panelists: Nathan Boll, Jared Stober, Chad Gunderson & Mike Frohlich

2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions

45 minute sessions

Spring Wheat Variety Performance – Dr. Jim Anderson, Professor and Spring Wheat Breeder, U of MN

Marketing Plan Rescue, Saving Profitability for 2023 and Beyond – Betsy Jensen, Farm Business Management Instructor, Northland Community & Technical College

Precision Soil Sampling Methods: Who Grids, Who Zones, Who Cares? – Sarah Lovas, Agronomist, GK Technology Inc

Prairie Grains Conference Registration Details

Join us for the 2023 Prairie Grains Conference!

From weather and marketing to research and business management, you will be sure to walk away with some new and valuable information. Our wide variety of speakers are sure to answer the questions you may have.

Registration is required for meal ticket guarantees. Meal tickets for those registering after the deadline will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until gone.

Don’t miss out - Register by November 28, 2023

Registration for both days of programming and meals are FREE for members of :

Minnesota Association of Wheat Growers

Minnesota Barley Growers Association

Minnesota Soybean Growers Association

North Dakota Grain Growers Association

Registration is open through the day of the conference - walk-ins are welcome. Meals only guaranteed if registered by deadline.

Registration fee for non-members:

- Wednesday program & lunch - $30 ($35 after deadline)

- Wednesday banquet tickets $35 ($40 after deadline)

- Thursday conference program & lunch - $30 ($35 after deadline)

To register online, visit mnwheat.org , scan the QR code or call the MN Wheat office at 218-253-4311 ext 7 .

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

Canad Inn , 701-772-8404, $109.00/night, Block #531807, ask for Prairie Grains Conference

South Dakota State University Extension

South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at SDSU

2023 South Dakota Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results Regional Summaries

Jonathan Kleinjan | SDSU Extension Agronomist

Christopher Graham | SDSU Extension Agronomist

Sunish Sehgal | SDSU Winter Wheat Breeder

Kevin Kirby | Agricultural Research Manager

Shawn Hawks | Agricultural Research Manager

Bruce Swan | Agricultural Research Manager

Travis Iverson | Assistant Research Farm Manager

Eastern Trial Locations: Brookings, Mt. Vernon, Platte, and South Shore

Central Trial Locations: Hayes, Onida, Pierre, Selby, Vivian, and Winner

Western Trial Locations: Faith/Lantry, Sturgis and Wall

Individual trial location results can be accessed online at: extension.sdstate.edu/winter-wheat-variety-trial-results

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the nondiscrimination policies of South Dakota State University, the South Dakota Board of Regents and the United States Department of Agriculture.

2023 South Dakota Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results Variety List

Table 1. List

† AP - AgriPro; CP - Croplan by Winfield; LCS - Limagrain Cereal Seeds; MS - Meridian Seeds; PG - PlainsGold; SD - South Dakota; WB - WestBred; and – (Year of Release).

‡ Relative heading compared to Expedition (152 days Julian or June 1) in 2023.

§ Lodging score: 1, perfectly standing; to 5, completely flat.

¶ Winter hardiness: E - excellent; G - good; F - fair; P - poor, NR - not reported.

# Test weight (lbs/bu) and protein (%) as averaged from all SD testing sites.

†† Baking quality: E, excellent; G, good; A, acceptable; P, Poor. Note: SDSU does not perform baking quality analysis.

‡‡ Parenthesis designate estimated ratings (X), based on information provided by entity that submitted the variety.

Table 2. Winter wheat variety disease ratings.

2023 South Dakota Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results Disease Rating

† Disease ratings: R, resistant; MR, moderately resistant; MS, moderately susceptible; S, susceptible; or 1, most resistant to 9, most susceptible. Note: SDSU does not perform nursery screenings for all listed pathogens in each growing season.

§ Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus; ¶ Fusarium Head Blight

‡ Parenthesis denote estimated rankings (X) provided by the program that submitted the variety, NR - not reported.

2023 South Dakota Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results Eastern

Table 3. 2021-2023 winter wheat variety performance trial results for testing sites in eastern South Dakota. Varieties ranking in the top 1/3 of each trial category are bolded and shaded light blue.

Summary

# Trial averages may include values from experimental lines that are not reported.

† Value required (≥LSD) to determine if varieties are significantly different from one another.

‡ C.V. is a measure of variability or experimental error, 15% or less is considered acceptable.

Note: Eastern trial sites include Brookings, Mt. Vernon, Platte, and South Shore.

Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results Central Summary

Table 4. 2021-2023 winter wheat variety performance trial results for testing sites in central South Dakota.

Varieties ranking in the top 1/3 of each trial category are bolded and shaded light blue.

2023 South Dakota Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results Central

Table 4. 2021-2023 winter wheat variety performance trial results for testing sites in central South Dakota. Varieties ranking in the top 1/3 of each trial category are bolded and shaded light blue.

Summary

# Trial averages may include values from experimental lines that are not reported.

† Value required (≥LSD) to determine if varieties are significantly different from one another.

‡ C.V. is a measure of variability or experimental error, 15% or less is considered acceptable.

Note: Central trial sites include Hayes, Onida, Pierre, Selby, Vivian, and Winner.

# Trial averages may include values from experimental lines that are not reported.

† Value required (≥LSD) to determine if varieties are significantly different from one another. ‡ C.V. is a measure of variability or experimental error, 15% or less is considered acceptable.

Note: Central trial sites include Hayes, Onida, Pierre, Selby, Vivian, and Winner.

SDSU Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer in accordance with the non discrimination policies of South Dakota State University, South Dakota Board of Regents and United States Department of Agriculture. © 2023

2023 South Dakota Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results Western

Table 5. 2021-2023 winter wheat variety performance trial results for testing sites in western South Dakota. Varieties ranking in the top 1/3 of each trial category are bolded and shaded light blue.

Summary

# Trial averages may include values from experimental lines that are not reported.

† Value required (≥LSD) to determine if varieties are significantly different from one another.

‡ C.V. is a measure of variability or experimental error, 15% or less is considered acceptable.

Note: Western trial sites include Faith/Lantry, Sturgis, and Wall.

South Dakota State University Extension

South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at SDSU

2023 South Dakota Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results Regional Summaries

Jonathan Kleinjan | SDSU Extension Agronomist

Christopher Graham | SDSU Extension Agronomist

Karl Glover | SDSU Spring Wheat Breeder

Kevin Kirby | Agricultural Research Manager

Shawn Hawks | Agricultural Research Manager

Bruce Swan | Agricultural Research Manager

Christopher Nelson | Agricultural Research Assistant

Travis Iverson | Senior Research Technician

Eastern trial locations: Claire Cit y, Frankfort, South Shore, Volga

Central trial locations: Gettysburg, Miller, Northville, Selby

Western trial locations: Sturgis, Wall

Individual trial location results can be accessed online at: https://extension.sdstate.edu/spring-wheat-variety-trial-results

S-0002-04

Table 1. List of spring wheat varieties tested in 2023 along with origin,

† AP, AgriPro; CAG, Champion Alliance Group; LCS, Limagrain Cereal Seeds; MN, Minnesota; MS, Meridian Seeds; ND, North Dakota; PFS, Peterson Farms Seed; SD,South Dakota, WI, Winfield; WB, WestBred; and – (Year of Release).

‡ Difference in days to heading compared to Surpass (2022 eastern and central locationss - Julian date 165 - June 14th).

§ Lodging score: 1, perfectly standing; to 5, completely flat (eastern and central locations)..

¶ Test weight and protein are statewide averages.

2023 South Dakota Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results Disease Ratings

‡ A dash (-) signifies no rating provided/available.

§ Parenthesis denote estimated ratings/rankings (X) based on externally-provided information.

Table 2. Spring wheat variety disease ratings.

2023 South Dakota Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results Regional Summaries

Table 3. 2023 spring wheat variety performance trial results for testing sites in eastern South Dakota. Varieties ranking in the top 1/3 of each trial category are boldfaced and shaded light blue.

# Trial averages may include values from experimental lines that are not reported.

† Value required (≥LSD) to determine if varieties are significantly different from one another.

‡ C.V. is a measure of variability or experimental error, 15% or less is considered acceptable..

2023 South Dakota Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results Regional Summaries

Table 4. 2023 spring wheat variety performance trial results for testing sites in central South Dakota. Varieties ranking in the top 1/3 of each trial category are boldfaced and shaded light blue.

# Trial averages may include values from experimental lines that are not reported.

† Value required (≥LSD) to determine if varieties are significantly different from one another.

‡ C.V. is a measure of variability or experimental error, 15% or less is considered acceptable.

2023 South Dakota Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results Regional Summaries

Table 5. 2023 spring wheat variety performance trial results for testing sites in western South Dakota. Varieties ranking in the top 1/3 of each trial category are boldfaced and shaded light blue.

# Trial averages may include values from experimental lines that are not reported.

† Value required (≥LSD) to determine if varieties are significantly different from one another.

‡ C.V. is a measure of variability or experimental error, 15% or less is considered acceptable.

MINNESOTA FARM BUREAU

Northern crops INSTITUTE

FARGO, ND

WHO WE ARE

EDUCATION

Our courses, webinars, and handbooks cover a variety of topics that allow participants to learn in a variety of settings.

testing services

With our multiple facilities and wide array of technology, we can test and evaluate multiple products.

Northern Crops Institute (NCI) is a collaborative effort among North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana, and South Dakota to support the promotion and market development of crops grown in this four-state region. NCI is an international meeting and learning center that brings together customers, commodity traders, technical experts, and processors for discussion, education, and technical services. Situated on the campus of North Dakota State University, in Fargo, North Dakota, USA, this unique facility is only minutes from the farm fields that yield much of the world’s food. LEARN MORE

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We can assist in the processing, development, or testing of an ingredient or new product.

consulting

Our highly qualified technical team is able to serve various businesses each year with consulting solutions.

Our research shows that clients have increased overall investment activity by 24% within ND, MN, MT, and SD after their experience working with NCI.

Survey response from 19 technical service clients from the ‘20-21 calendar year.

Clair Keene, Francois Marais, Andrew Friskop, Zhaohui Liu, and Shaobin Zhong (NDSU Main Station); Leo Bortolon (North Central Research Extension Center, Minot); Glen Martin (Dickinson Research Extension Center); John Rickertsen (Hettinger Research Extension Center); Kristin Simons (Carrington Research Extension Center); Gautam Pradhan (Williston Research Extension Center); Bryan Hanson (Langdon Research Extension Center)

During the 2022-23 growing season, 150,000 acres of winter wheat were planted and 130,000 acres were harvested. Winter wheat yield in North Dakota was estimated at 53 bushels per acre (bu/a) statewide, compared to last year’s yield of 58 bu/a. Higher winter wheat yields ranging from 60-90 bu/a were reported from many areas across the state despite the dry fall of 2022. Deep snow cover that lasted winterlong across most growing regions contributed to spring moisture that benefitted the winter wheat crop and resulted in locally high yields.

Ideal continued to hold on to the top spot in the winter wheat variety survey, reported as occupying 16% of acres planted. The NDSU Release ND Noreen increased in acres to occupy the number two spot at 10% of acres. WestBred variety Keldin was third

North Dakota Hard Red Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results for 2023 and Selection Guide

at 8% and WB Matlock was fourth at 7%. Jerry fell to fifth place at 2% of acres planted. More than half of the acres surveyed did not report which varieties were planted.

Characteristics of hard red winter wheat varieties adapted for production in North Dakota are described in Table 1. Information on the agronomic and quality performance of selected varieties is summarized in subsequent tables. Yields are expressed on a 13.5% moisture basis and protein on a 12% basis, which are the industry standards.

Successful winter wheat production depends on numerous production practices, including selecting the right variety for a particular area. The information included in this publication is meant to help growers choose that variety or group of varieties. Characteristics to consider when selecting a variety are winter hardiness, yield potential in your area, test weight, protein content when grown with proper fertility, straw strength, plant height, reaction to important diseases and maturity.

The recommended seeding dates for winter wheat are Sept. 1-15 north of North Dakota Highway 200 and Sept. 15-30 in southern regions.

Planting after the recommended dates reduces winter survival and grain yield. Planting prior to the recommended date may deplete soil

moisture reserves unnecessarily. It also increases the risk of wheat streak mosaic virus and may reduce winter survival.

Winter wheat should be seeded at a rate of 1 million to 1.2 million pure live seeds per acre. The higher seeding rates of this recommended range should be used for late seeding or with poor seedbed conditions. Producers should consider only the most winter-hardy varieties available when growing winter wheat in North Dakota. Relative ratings for winter hardiness are found in Table 1.

Phosphorus aids winter survival by stimulating root growth and fall tillering. The secondary root system that develops during tillering is essential for a healthy, deep-rooted plant capable of withstanding stress. If winter wheat is planted on bare soil or following fallow, an application of phosphorus is recommended if soil phosphorous levels are low. While important, the contribution of phosphorus to winter survival is secondary to varietal hardiness.

Data from several years and locations should be used when selecting varieties. The idea that data from a single location nearest your farm will indicate which variety will perform the best for you next year is incorrect. You should select varieties that, on average, perform the best at multiple trial locations near your farm across several years.

Table 3. Test weight of winter wheat varieties grown at five locations in North Dakota in 2023.

Table 4. Grain protein content at 12% grain moisture content of winter wheat varieties grown at six locations in North Dakota in 2023.

Table 5. Analytical milling and baking characteristics of selected varieties evaluated at Casselton, North Dakota in 2022.

Table 1. 2023 North Dakota hard red winter wheat variety description and agronomic traits.

Reaction to Disease1

1Disease reaction scores from 1-9, with 1 = resistant and 9 = very susceptible, NA = not available.

2MT = Montana State University; ND = North Dakota State University; SD = South Dakota State University; TCG = Twenty-first Century Genetics; WB = WestBred; AAFC = Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

3Days to heading relative to Jerry.

4Straw strength: 1 = strongest, 9 = weakest. Based on field observations from limited sites.

5Based on the average of several environments, and should be used for comparing varieties. The environment can impact the height of varieties.

6Relative winter hardiness rating: 1 = excellent, 10 = no survival. These values are subject to change as additional information becomes available. Bold varieties are those recently released or the first time tested, so data are limited and rating values may change.

Capture

1Test weight - Expressed in pounds (lbs) per bushel. A high test weight is desirable. A 58 lb test weight is required for a grade of U.S. No. 1. 21,000 KWT - Estimate of weight of 1,000 seeds based on a clean 10g sample. Expressed in grams and used to approximate seed size.

3Wheat Protein - Measured by NIR at a 12% moisture basis. A high protein is desirable for baking quality.

4Falling Number - Expressed in seconds at a 14% moisture basis. It is used as an indicator of sprouting based on elevated enzyme activity. A high falling number is desirable, preferably greater than 400 seconds.

5Flour Extraction - Percentage of milled flour recovered from cleaned and tempered wheat. A high flour extraction percentage is desirable.

6Farinograph Absorption - Measured by NIR at a 14% moisture basis. A measure of dough water absorption, expressed as percent. A high absorption is desirable.

7Farinograph Stability - A measure of dough strength. It is expressed in minutes above the 500 Brabender unit line during mixing. A high stability is desirable.

8Loaf Volume - The volume of the pup loaf of bread, expressed in cubic centimeters. A high volume is desirable.

9Scale 1-10, with 1 being low and 10 being superior.

Table 5. Analytical milling and baking characteristics of selected varieties evaluated at Casselton, North Dakota in 2022.

Farinograph Loaf

Kernel

Flour

February 7, 2024 – Alerus Center, Grand Forks

February 8, 2024 – Courtyard by Marriot, Moorhead

The annual Best of the Best in Wheat and Soybean Research workshop offers growers a chance to learn the latest in checkoffsupported wheat and soybean production from researchers and extension specialists. Featured session topics: Weed control, weather issues, pest management, cover crops and more!

Meetings are free. Registration is requested. Visit www.mnwheat.org for more details.

Best of the Best is proudly sponsored by: MN Association of Wheat Growers, MN Wheat Research & Promotion Council, MN Soybean Research & Promotion Council, ND Soybean Council, ND Grain Growers Association and ND Wheat Commission

IMPROVING CROP NUTRITION

Langdon Williston Avg. N.D. Hettinger Minot

Clair Keene, Andrew Green, Shahidul Islam, Andrew Friskop, Tim Friesen, Zhaohui Liu and Shaobin Zhong (NDSU Main Station); Yue Jin (USDA-ARS St. Paul, MN); John Rickertsen (Hettinger Research Extension Center); Leandro Bortolon, Austin Kraklau, and Jayden Hansen (North Central Research Extension Center, Minot); Bryan Hanson (Langdon Research Extension Center); Glenn Martin (Dickinson Research Extension Center); Justin Jacobs (Williston Research Extension Center); Kristin Simons (Carrington Research Extension Center)

Hard red spring (HRS) wheat was planted on 5.6 million acres in 2023, up slightly from 5.3 million acres in 2022. The average yield of HRS wheat was 49 bushels/acre (bu/a), down slightly from 52 bu/a in 2022. 2023 spring wheat yields were highly variable across the state. Most of the state started the season with a deep snow pack and delayed planting due to cold and wet conditions in April. The abundant winter snow provided adequate moisture for the crop during early development. However, most of the region experienced an abnormally hot and dry June which was then followed by a cooler-thannormal July. Areas of northcentral and northeast North Dakota experienced periods of severe to extreme drought while southwest North Dakota had one of its highest growing season rainfall totals in the past 5 years. This variability in precipitation resulted in some areas having very high wheat yields while other areas had below average yields. See Figure 1 below for April 1-August 31 rainfall totals at the trial locations as recorded by NDAWN stations. WB9590 was the most popular HRS

North Dakota Hard Red Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results for 2023 and Selection Guide

wheat variety in 2023, reportedly occupying 8.7% of the planted acreage, followed by AP Murdock (8.4%), SY Valda (6.9%), SY Ingmar (6.4%), and MN Torgy (4.5%). WB9590 was released by WestBred/ Monsanto. AP Murdock, SY Valda, and SY Ingmar are Syngenta/AgriPro varieties. MN Torgy is a University of Minnesota release. NDSU varieties Faller and Glenn were reported on 3.1% and 2.6% of acres, respectively.

Successful wheat production depends on numerous factors, including selecting the right variety for a particular area. The information included in this publication is meant to aid in selecting that variety or group of varieties. Characteristics to consider in selecting a variety may include yield potential, protein content when grown with proper fertility, straw strength, plant height, response to problematic pests (diseases, insects, etc.) and maturity. Every growing season differs; therefore, when selecting a variety, we recommend using data that summarize several years and locations. Choose the variety that, on average, performs the best at multiple locations near your farm during several years.

Selecting varieties with good milling and baking quality also is important to maintain market recognition and avoid discounts. Hard red spring wheat from the northern Great Plains is known around the world for its excellent end-use quality. It is recommended that readers balance their variety selection taking into consideration not only yield, but also the quality rankings presented in this publication on Table 6.

Millers and bakers consider many

factors in determining the quality and value of wheat they purchase. Several key parameters are: high test weight (for optimum milling yield and flour color), high falling number (greater than 300 seconds indicates minimal sprout damage), high protein content (the majority of HRS wheat export markets want at least 14% protein) and excellent protein quality (for superior bread-making quality as indicated by traditional strong gluten proteins, high baking absorption and large bread loaf volume).

Gluten strength and milling and baking quality ratings are provided for individual varieties based on the results from the NDSU field plot variety trials in multiple locations in 2022. The wheat protein data often are higher than obtained in actual production fields but can be used to compare relative differences among varieties.

The agronomic data presented in this publication are from replicated research plots using experimental designs that enable the use of statistical analysis. These analyses enable the reader to determine, at a predetermined level of confidence, if the differences observed among varieties are reliable or if they might be due to error inherent in the experimental process.

Presentation of data for the entries tested does not imply approval or endorsement by the authors or agencies conducting the test. North Dakota State University approves the reproduction of any table in the publication only if no portion is deleted, appropriate footnotes are given and the order of the data is not rearranged. Additional data from county sites are available from each Research Extension Center and at https://vt.ag.ndsu.edu/

1Refers to agent or developer: MN = Univ of Minnesota; MT = Montana State Univ; ND = North Dakota State Univ; SD = South Dakota State Univ Canada = Agri-Food Canada. NDCISA = ND Crop & Seed Improvement Assoc. Bold varieties are recently released, so data are limited and rating values may change.

2Height data averaged from multiple locations in 2023.

3Straw Strength = 1 to 9 scale, with 1 the strongest and 9 the weakest. These values are based on recent data and may change as more data become available.

4Days to Head = the number of days from planting to head emergence from the boot, averaged based on data from several locations in 2023.

5Disease reaction scores from 1 to 9, with 1 = resistant and 9 = very susceptible, NA = not available.

6Stem rust scores determined from field severity ratings and Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici race QFCQ

7Solid stemmed or semisolid stem, imparting resistance to sawfly.

Table 2. Yield of hard red spring wheat varieties grown at five locations in eastern North Dakota, 2021-2023.

1Three-year average includes 2020 data.

Carrington Casselton Langdon

Table 3. Yield of hard red spring wheat varieties grown at four locations in western North Dakota, 2021-2023.

Table 4. Protein at 12% moisture of hard red spring wheat varieties grown at ten locations in North Dakota, 2023.

Table 5. Test weight of hard red spring wheat varieties grown at ten locations in North Dakota, 2023.

Table 6. Quality data from 2020-2022. The Wheat Quality Index is a weighted average developed to summarize the relative

milling and baking quality of lines in the trial. Data from across years are from 2019-2022 for all varieties which were tested in a minimum of two years (four locations per year) across North Dakota.

1Test weight - Expressed in pounds (lbs) per bushel. A high test weight is desirable. A 58 lb test weight is required for a grade of US No. 1.

2Vitreous kernels - Expressed as a percentage of seeds having a vitreous-colored endosperm. A high percentage is desirable.

US No. 1 DNS requires greater than 75% vitreous kernels.

3Wheat Protein - Measured by NIR at a 12% moisture basis. A high protein is desirable for baking quality.

4Farinograph Absorption - Measured by NIR at a 14% moisture basis. A measure of dough water absorption, expressed as percent. A high absorption is desirable.

5Flour Extraction - Percentage of milled flour recovered from cleaned and tempered wheat. A high flour extraction percentage is desirable.

6Farinograph Stability - A measure of dough strength expressed in minutes above the 500 Brabender unit line during mixing. A high stability is desirable.

7Loaf Volume - The volume of the pup loaf of bread, expressed in cubic centimeters. A high volume is desirable.

8Standardized means were used to calculate the Wheat Quality Index (WQI). The WQI is a weighted index calculated as: Test Weight (5%); Vitreous kernel (5%); Wheat Protein (10%); Flour Extraction (10%); Farinograph Absorption (23.3%); Farinograph Stability (23.3%) and Loaf Volume (23.3%). Adjusted means across locations were calculated for each trait using a mixed model. These means were standardized (mean=0 and standard deviation=1) to remove the effect of scale, which vary between traits.

developed to summarize the relative milling and baking quality of lines in the trial. Data from 2022 are for all varieties which were tested in the 2023 trial. Data were collected from Carrington, Thompson, Hettinger, and Prosper, North Dakota.

See footnotes below Table 7.

Preface Jochum Wiersma

Preliminary Report 24

2023 Wheat, Barley, and Oats Variety Performance in Minnesota Preliminary Report

No yield records were broken during the 2023 growing season. Yet, the season will probably be long remembered; while you might not be able to squeeze blood from a turnip or a stone, wheat, barley, and oats apparently can squeeze water out of dry soil and produce a crop that exceeded all expectations.

Like the 2022 growing season, most of Minnesota ended the preceding fall either abnormally dry or in a moderate drought. Luckily, the snowpack was above average and a fair bit must have infiltrated rather than run off as flooding was minimal. This moisture more or less provided the moisture needed for the start of the growing season as spring precipitation remained well below normal.

Weather and field conditions were just wet and cool enough that little if any field work was done through the end of April. The first week of May was more of the same and not until the second week of May did the pace of field work pick up.

Starting in the second week of May temperatures soared to well above average. By the middle of May, a third of wheat, barley, and oat acres had been seeded and by May 21 three quarters of all small grains had been seeded, jumping well ahead of last year and the 5-year average. The only challenge establishing the crop was uneven emergence if tillage yielded too dry a seedbed and a timely rain did not follow soon after seeding. This eventually resulted in some harvest challenges as the crop also ended up ripening unevenly.

The weather remained warm, if not outright hot, through June while precipitation remained well below average. Average temperatures in June were 5 to 10 degrees warmer than normal. In turn, the growth and development of wheat, barley, and oats was equally rapid, yielding shorter plants that didn’t tiller as much as in 2022.Precipitation, meanwhile, remained very spotty and well below average. By the end of June large parts of Minnesota had once

again returned to either abnormally dry or in a moderate drought. Only parts of the Minnesota River Valley watershed were rated as having normal levels of available soil moisture. USDA-NASS’s first yield estimate for spring wheat on July 1 was 54 bu/acre, compared to 53 bu/acre on the same date in 2022.

The drought worsened through the month of July just as the small grains reached the grain fill period and with that, its greatest water demand. USDA-NASS revised their yield estimate for spring wheat down to 50 bu/acre, underscoring what everyone feared. The average temperatures, however, dropped 5 to 15 degrees below normal during this critical period. Ultimately this cooler weather in combination with the capillary rise of soil water from lower levels of the soil into the root zone on heavier texture soils saved this crop and allowed for much higher-than-expected grain yields. The differences in grain yield within fields, between neighboring fields, and regions were probably larger than many have ever seen before.

The unusually hot June followed by the unusually cool July combined with the very spotty showers and overall dry conditions meant that fungal leaf diseases and FHB were all but absent and only grasshoppers were a significant pest issue.

In the September Small Grains Summary USDA-NASS reported Minnesota’s average spring wheat yield to be 62 bu/acre or 12 bushels higher than their August 1 estimate, making 2023 the 2nd highest wheat yield for the state, behind 2017’s 67 bu/acre. The state’s average barley yield decreased slightly year-over-year to 70.0 bu/acre, while the state average for oat increased 18 bu/acre year-over-year to 77 bu/acre. Acreage of all three commodities remain near historic lows with only 54,000, 87,000, and 1.3 million acres of barley, oats, and spring wheat harvested, respectively.

The US Wheat Associate Regional HRSW Quality Report has not been released at press time. But based on my impressions, the quality of the 2023 crop is excellent with excellent test weight and higher than usual grain protein content.

Introduction

Successful small grain production begins with selection of the best varieties for a particular farm or field. For that reason, varieties are compared in trial plots on the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station (MAES) sites at St. Paul, Becker, Waseca, Lamberton, Morris, Grand Rapids, and Crookston. In addition to these seven MAES locations, trials are also planted at the Magnusson Research Farm near Roseau and with nine farmer cooperators. The trials are handled so factors affecting yield and performance are as close to uniform for all entries at each location as possible.

Variety Classifications

Varieties are listed in the tables alphabetically. Seed of tested varieties can be eligible for certification, and use of certified seed is encouraged. However, certification does not imply a recommendation. The intellectual property rights of the breeders or owners of the variety are listed as either PVP, PVP(pending), PVP(94), patent, or none. PVP protection means that the a variety is protected under the Plant Variety Protection Act for a period of 20 years, while PVP(94) means that the variety is protected for 20 years with the additional stipulation that seed of the variety can only be sold as registered and certified classes of seed. PVP(pending) indicates that the PVP application has been

made and that you should consider the variety to have the same intellectual property rights as those provided by PVP(94). The designation of ‘Patent’ means that the variety is protected by a utility patent and that farm-saved seed may be prohibited by the patent holder. The designation ‘None’ means that the breeder or owner never requested any intellectual property protection or that legal protection has expired. Registered and certified seed is available from seed dealers or from growers listed in the ‘Minnesota Crop Improvement Association 2023 Directory’, available through the Minnesota Crop Improvement Association office or online at http://www.mncia.org

Interpretation of the Data

The presented data are the preliminary variety trial information for single (2023) and multiple year (2021-2023) comparisons in Minnesota. The yields are reported as a percentage of the location mean, with the overall mean (bu/ acre) listed below. Two-year and especially one-year data are less reliable and should be interpreted with caution. In contrast, averages across multiple environments, whether they are different years and/or locations, provide a more reliable estimate of mean performance and are more predictive of what you may expect from the variety the next growing season. The least significant difference or LSD is a statistical method to determine whether the observed yield difference between

any two varieties is due to true, genetic differences between the varieties or due to experimental error. If the difference in yield between two varieties equals or exceeds the LSD value, the higher yielding one was indeed superior in yield. If the difference is less, the yield difference may have been due to chance rather than genetic differences, and we are unable to differentiate the two varieties. The 5% or 10% unit indicates that, with either 95% or 90% confidence, the observed difference is indeed a true difference in performance. Lowering this confidence level will allow more varieties to appear different from each other, but also increases the chances that false conclusions are drawn.

The Authors and Contributors

This report is written, compiled, and edited by Dr. Jochum Wiersma, Small Grains Specialist. The contributing authors/ principal investigators are:

Dr. James Anderson, Wheat Breeder, Department of Agronomy & Plant Genetics, St. Paul.

Dr. Kevin Smith, Barley Breeder, Department of Agronomy & Plant Genetics, St. Paul.

Dr. Ruth Dill‐Macky, Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, St. Paul.

Dr. James Kolmer, USDA-ARS, Cereal Disease Laboratory, St. Paul.

Dr. Matt Rouse, USDA-ARS, Cereal Disease Laboratory, St. Paul. Dr. Brian Steffenson, Plant Pathologist, Department of Plant Pathology, St. Paul.

Dr. Yue Jin, USDA-ARS, Cereal Disease Laboratory, St. Paul. Karen Beaubien, Matt Bickell, Sergio Cabello Leiva, Fernando de Paula Alberto, Danielle Fiebelkorn-Wrucke, Dave Grafstrom, Tom Hoverstad, Michael Leiseth, Alaina Mousel, Steve Quiring, Susan Reynolds, Edward Schiefelbein, Nathan Stuart, and Donn Vellekson supervised fieldwork at the various sites. Special thanks are also due to all cooperating producers.

We’ve got your seat. We know you’re busy farming and raising a family, so we’re

Spring Wheat

James Anderson, Jochum Wiersma, Susan Reynolds, Nathan Stuart, Danielle Fiebelkorn-Wrucke, Fernando de Paula Alberto, Ruth Dill-Macky, James Kolmer, Matt Rouse, and Yue Jin.

MN-Torgy and WB9590 traded places for first and second place in spring wheat acreage in Minnesota with WB9590 being the most widely grown variety with 24% acres across the state this year. WB9590 remained the most widely grown variety in northwest Minnesota with nearly 28% of the acres; a 5% increase year-over-year. MN-Torgy maintained its share of the acreage in the west central portion of the state but saw its acreage slip nearly 4% in northwest Minnesota. The experience of the slow dry down during the late harvest in 2022 likely was a contributing factor to this decrease. SY Valda maintained its third place ranking with 9% of the acreage. MN-Rothsay and Linkert rounded up the top five varieties with 6.2% and 6.0% of the state’s 1.3 million acres of spring wheat.

First-time entrants in the 2023 trials were CP3322, LCS Boom, and TCG-Teddy. PFS Buns was first tested in 2021. WestBred did not enter any HRSW varieties in the University of Minnesota variety trial system. WB9479, WB9590, however, were included in the testing in 2023 as they each occupied more than 5% of the acreage in 2022.

The results of the variety performance evaluations for spring wheat are summarized in Tables 1 through 6. The varietal characteristics are presented in Tables 1 through 3. Tables 4, 5, and 6 present the relative grain yield of tested varieties in 1, 2, and 3-year comparisons. The average yield across the six southern testing locations was 78 bu/ acre in 2023. This average compares to a southern average of 60 bu/acre in 2022 and a three-year average of 64 bu/ acre. The seven northern locations averaged 95 bu/acre in 2023 compared to 77 bu/acre last year and 84 bu/acre for the three-year average. The cooler than normal conditions during the grain fill period favored later maturing varieties for grain yield, with CP3099A taking over the top spot from LCS Trigger in both single and the multiple year comparisons. These very high yielding cultivars also have the lowest average grain protein. Variety selection is one approach to avoid discounts for low protein with N fertility management remaining paramount to maximize grain yield and grain protein.

Varieties with a lodging score of 2 and 3 are considered exceptionally good and will only lodge in extreme cases, while varieties with a rating of 4 or 5 have adequate straw strength most years. Increasing seeding rates generally increases the risk of lodging for all but the strongest and shortest semi-dwarf HRSW varieties. Conversely, lower

seeding rates will lower the risk of lodging, but commonly results in lower grain yield potential. AP Smith and Linkert continue to be rated superior for straw strength with a rating of 2. MS-Washburn and MN-Rothsay continue to be the only public releases with a lodging rating of 3. Private releases that have a 3 rating for lodging include CAG Recoil, LCS Dual, and all entries in the variety trials from 21st Century Genetics (TCG) and WestBred.

Varieties with disease ratings of 4 or lower are considered the best defense against a particular disease. Varieties that are rated 7 or higher are likely to suffer significant economic losses under even moderate disease pressure. The foliar disease rating represents the total complex of leaf diseases other than the rusts, and includes the Septoria complex and tan spot. Although varieties may differ from their response to each of those diseases, the rating does not differentiate among them. Therefore, the rating should be used as a general indication and only for varietal selection in areas where these diseases historically have been a problem or if the previous crop is wheat or barley. Control of leaf diseases with fungicides may be warranted, even for those varieties with an above average rating.

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS) cannot be controlled with fungicides. Selection of more resistant varieties is the only recommended practice at this time if you have a history of problems with this disease. Ascend-SD, Brawn-SD, CAG Reckless, CAG Recoil, CP3530, CP3915, Driver, DynaGro Ballistic, LCS Trigger, MN-Torgy, MN-Washburn, ND Frohberg, PFS Buns, SY Longmire, and TCG-Spitfire provide the best resistance against BLS. Ascend-SD, LCS Boom, LCS Buster, LCS Trigger, MN-Torgy, ND Heron, and SY 611 CL2 provide the best resistance against FHB while another twelve varieties have a rating of 4 for FHB. Combined, this group of varieties includes some of the top yielders and varieties with higher grain protein.

EDITOR’S NOTE

A complete report of the 2023 Wheat, Barley, and Oats Variety Performance in Minnesota will be available in Minnesota Wheat’s Research Review at Prairie Grains Conference.

Table 1. Origin and agronomic characteristics of

Table 1. Origin and agronomic characteristics of hard red spring wheat varieties in Minnesota in single-year (2023) and multipleyear comparisons.

1 Abbreviations: MN = Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station; NDSU = North Dakota State University Research Foundation; SDSU = South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station

1 Abbreviations: MN = Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station; NDSU = North Dakota State University Research Foundation; SDSU =

2 Our standard seeding rate is designed to achieve a desired stand of 1.3 million plants/acre, assuming a 10% stand loss and adjusting for the germination percentage and seed weight of each variety.

Agricultural Experiment Station

2 Our standard seeding rate is designed to achieve a desired stand of 1.3 million plants/acre, assuming a 20% stand loss and adjusting for the germination percentage and seed weight of each variety.

3 2023 data from Crookston, St. Paul, and Waseca

4 1-9 scale in which 1 is the strongest straw and 9 is the weakest. Based on 2014-2022 data. The rating of newer entries may change by as much as one rating point as more data are collected.

5 AP Gunsmoke CL2 and SY 611 CL2 have tolerance to Beyond® herbicide.

6 SY Longmire has solid stems.

Table 2. Grain quality of hard red spring wheat varieties in Minnesota in single-year (2023) and multiple-year comparisons. Test Weight (lb/Bu) Protein (%)1

Environments

1 12% moisture basis.

2 2014-2022 crop years, where applicable.

3 1-9 scale in which 1 is best and 9 is worst. Values of 1-2 should be considered as resistant.

Table 3. Disease reactions 1 of hard red spring wheat varieties in Minnesota in multiple-year comparisons.

1 1-9 scale where 1=most resistant, 9=most susceptible.

2 Based on natural infections in 2015 at Kimball, Lamberton, and Waseca.

3 Stem rust levels have been very low in production fields in recent years, even on susceptible varieties.

4 Bacterial leaf streak symptoms are highly variable from one environment to the next. The rating of entries may change as more data is collected.

5 Combined rating of tan spot and septoria.

1 2022 Benson was abandoned due to early season flooding. 2 year data is 2021 & 2023.

2 2023 Morris was not seeded. 2 year data is 2021 & 2022.

3 2021 Waseca was discarded due to excessive within trial variation. 2 year is 2022 & 2023.

Table 5. Relative grain yield of hard red spring wheat varieties in southern Minnesota locations in single-year (2023) and multiple-year comparisons (2021-2023).

Table 6. Relative grain yield of hard red spring wheat varieties in Minnesota in singleyear (2023) and multiple-year comparisons (2021-2023).

1. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Anheuser-Busch InBev (ABI), Cornell University (COR), North Dakota State University (ND), Secobra (SEC), University of Minnesota (MN)

2. Excelsior Gold and Explorer evaluated in 2022 and 2023.

3. ND

Table 8. Disease reactions of barley varieties in multiple year comparisons.

1. All traits measured on a scale of 0-9 where 0=resistant and 9=susceptible

2. DON data is for 2021 and 2022

3. Spot Blotch data is for 2020

4. Net Blotch data is for 2022 and 2023

5. Excelsior Gold and Explorer evaluated in 2022 and 2023.

6. ND Treasure only evaluated in 2023.

Table 9. Relative grain yield (percent of the mean of the trial) of barley varieties in northern Minnesota locations in single-year (2023) and multiple year comparisons (2021-2023).

1. Trial data for Roseau is from 2021 and 2022.

2. Trial data for Strathcona is from 2021 and 2023.

Table 10. Relative grain yield (percent of the mean of the trial) of barley varieties in southern Minnesota locations in single-year (2023) and multiple year comparisons (2021-2023).

1. Trial data for New Ulm and Rochester is from 2021 and 2022.

Table 11. Relative grain yield (percent of the mean of the trial) of barley varieties in a single-year (2023) and multiple year comparisons (2021-2023).

2 row

Table 12. Origin and agronomic characteristics of oat varieties in Minnesota in multiple-year comparisons (2021-2023).

1. Straw strength evaluated on a 1-9 scale where 1 = most resistant and 9 = susceptible

2. Entry CS Camden was developed by Lantmannen Seed in Sweden.

3. Entries ND Carson and ND Spilde were only evaluated in 2023.

4. Entry Streaker is a hulless oat.

Table 13. Disease characteristics of oat varieties.

1. All traits evaluated on a 1-9 scale where 1 = most resistant and 9 = susceptible

2. Crown Rust evaluated in 2022 and 2023; 2021 trial failed due to drought

3. Loose Smut evaluated in 2021, 2022, and 2023

4. BYDV evaluated in 2021 only

5. Entries ND Carson and ND Spilde were only evaluated in 2023.

Table 14. Relative grain yield of oat varieties in northern Minnesota locations in single-year (2022) and multiple-year comparisons (2021-2023).

1. Trial data for Roseau is from 2021 and 2022.

Entries ND Carson and ND Spilde were only evaluated in 2023.

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Table 15. Relative grain yield of oat varieties in southern Minnesota locations in single-year (2023) and multiple-year comparisons (2021-2023).

1. Trial data for Becker and Rochester is from 2021 and 2022.

2. Entries ND Carson and ND Spilde were only evaluated in 2023.

Table 16. Relative grain yield of oat varieties in Minnesota in single-year (2023) and multiple-year comparisons (2021-2023).

Entries ND Carson and ND Spilde were only evaluated in 2023.

LIMAGRAIN CEREAL SEEDS 2023 spring wheat data and portfolio review

By Nick Shores LCS Northern Plains Regional Commercial Manager

A key focus of the LCS Northern Plains breeding program continues to be understanding the evolving market needs for specific variety attributes — in addition to high yield — including earlier maturity to get to harvest faster and facilitate double cropping, higher protein or a balance of protein and yield to avoid protein discounts, robust tolerance to one or a spectrum of diseases, and grassy weed control, to name a few. Of course, there are acres where a pure yield focus is the best strategy, too.

At LCS, our spring wheat variety portfolio is all about diversity. Our goal is to provide superior genetics for every spring wheat acre.

New LCS Hammer AX was one of the first spring wheat CoAXium varieties available anywhere, and its performance has exceeded expectations. The CoAXium® Wheat Production System gives growers control over yield-robbing grassy weeds. In addition to a cleaner field, LCS Hammer AX offers trial-topping yield, balanced protein, heavy test weight and good end-use quality. It’s also early maturing to give you a jump on harvest.

New LCS Boom builds on the success of LCS Cannon with very early maturity. If you’re a grower who wants to start wheat harvest early and move on to another crop, both LCS Boom and LCS Cannon will be one of the first varieties to get you in the field. Both varieties also deliver consistent protein, stable yield, strong straw and a solid disease package. LCS Boom pulls ahead of its genetic predecessor with heavier test weight, stronger bacterial leaf streak tolerance and superior end-use quality.

New LCS Ascent gives Montana and Dakota wheat farmers a good option for top-end yield, high test weight and

stable protein. This fresh release is a real looker, too — it stands tall in the field with beautiful color and picturesque wheat heads.

New LCS Dual got its name because it delivers a one-two punch of yield and protein — consistent numbers across the board. With a wide area of adaptation, exceptional straw and an excellent disease package, LCS Dual is a reliable performer for growers across the Northern Plains.

For runaway yield, it’s hard to beat LCS Buster. Our latest bin-busting variety has been coming out on top in trials across the region for several years. LCS Buster carries good tolerance to head scab, tan spot, bacterial leaf streak, and stem, leaf and stripe rust. Very strong straw and acceptable end-use quality round out a variety that has become a farmer favorite.

Speaking of yield monsters, LCS Trigger continues to deliver blockbuster yield, year after year. In the UMN South 3-Year trial, LCS Trigger came in at 119% of mean yield. This variety also has a comprehensive

disease package, providing excellent tolerance to leaf rust, and good tolerance to stem rust, head scab, bacterial leaf streak and tan spot.

LCS Rebel is another tried-and-true performer. This widely adapted variety has the highest protein in our lineup and the most desirable end-use quality. LCS Rebel has been used as a Wheat Council quality check since 2019, making it an industry standard for end users.

LCS offers a complete range of options to help growers meet their needs and diversify their acres. As shown in the yield data to the right, our varieties are blockbuster performers — and we have some exciting new experimental varieties in the pipeline that we’re looking forward to bringing to growers in the years to come.

For complete yield, agronomic and disease tolerance data, visit LimagrainCerealSeeds.com/NP

You can also find our varieties in University trials throughout the region.

Conventional spring wheat yield performance

CoAXium spring wheat yield performance

COAXIUM SPRING WHEAT Wheat production system updates and yield data

By Jeff Widder CoAXium Wheat Production System

In 2024, the CoAXium® Wheat Production System will enter its sixth year of availability across the United States. Thousands of acres have been planted with CoAXium wheat varieties and sprayed with Aggressor® AX herbicides. The response we’ve seen and heard is that for fields historically choked out by grassy weeds, there isn’t a better solution on the market. CoAXium wheat varieties have given farmers a powerful new tool.

Hard red spring wheat seed was available at the farm level for the first time last season, greatly increasing the utility and impact of CoAXium for growers across Minnesota, the Dakotas and Montana.

For those not familiar with CoAXium, it is the latest, most effective wheat production system for controlling cheatgrass, foxtails, barnyardgrass and other Group 2-resistant grassy weeds. Developed in partnership by Limagrain Cereal Seeds, the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation and Albaugh, CoAXium delivers 95% or greater grassy weed control.

Here’s how it works: The CoAXium Wheat Production System takes high-performance wheat varieties, breeds them with the non-GMO herbicide tolerance trait AXigen® and pairs them with Aggressor AX herbicide, a groundbreaking formulation with a Group 1 (ACCase) mode of action. This new technology protects fields from grassy weeds that compete with wheat for light and space, deplete moisture and nutrients, and wreak havoc on the overall health of wheat through every stage of growth.

CoAXium’s consistent, broad-spectrum grassy weed control is the main reason Northern Plains farmers have turned to the new wheat production system. However, CoAXium offers additional benefits:

• No soil residuals, removing plantback restrictions and giving growers crop rotation flexibility.

• Works well in dormant seeding situations where grassy weeds can emerge with germinating spring wheat.

• Aggressor AX can be combined with many broadleaf weed partners (tank mixes) for combined grass and broadleaf control in a single application.

• Aggressor AX application rates and timing are flexible to meet grassy weed size and pressures, and growing conditions.

Left: CoAXium wheat treated with Aggressor AX. Right: Untreated wheat overtaken by downy brome.

Cleaning up grassy weed-infested fields with CoAXium results in higher yields and higher quality wheat with less dockage. After years of trialing and on-field use, CoAXium variety performance has exceeded expectations at harvest.

The CoAXium Wheat Production System does not create any yield drag. In fact, CoAXium varieties are topping yield trials across the country, including the Northern Plains.

Growers are expanding their use past their toughest acres, putting CoAXium to work on acres with light to medium grassy weed pressure with excellent results. We’re starting to get asked the question: “Why not use CoAXium all the time?” The answer is the key to maintaining CoAXium’s power for the long haul: stewardship.

CoAXium may only be planted two years in a row and herbicide modes of action must be rotated to avoid herbicide resistance. Because CoAXium doesn’t have any soil residuals, rotating in a non-CoAXium wheat or another crop is a quick process. Planting only Certified seed, using labeled

CoAXium spring wheat yield performance

rates of Aggressor AX and making sure grassy weed escapes don’t go to seed also ensure CoAXium will be around for the next generation of farmers.

The first two CoAXium hard red spring wheats, CP3201AX and LCS Hammer AX, had a solid growing season. More spring wheats with the AXigen trait are in development with both private and public breeding programs. Novel lines bred for a variety of growing conditions are in trials now.

For more information about CoAXium hard red spring wheat varieties and the wheat production system as a whole, visit CoAXium.com .

2023 seemed to be representative of the more recent trend of a Spring that is fashionably late, and variable moisture conditions leaving some areas very dry and even in a drought. Leading up to the 4th of July the broad sentiment was there wasn’t going to be much of a wheat crop. ankfully, many areas received enough moisture to give the wheat roots down to some mysterious subsoil moisture that must have been a consequence of

21st Century Genetics (TCG) Hard Red Spring Wheat (HRS) Trials in 2021

good snow and no frost from the Winter. Yields were nothing short of exceptional in many areas given the actual amount of rainfall, a big surprise to producers and researchers alike. Disease pressure was low which highlighted the high ROI from fungicide use even in a low disease pressure year. At harvest, a er a few years o , protein discounts gured into overall pro tability. ankfully the TCG lineup was up to the task. TCG varieties performed

very well in 2023 across a range of conditions. is is consistent with our observations in 2021 and 2022. TCG-Wildcat leads the pack, but we have a number of new varieties as well. See Table 1- and 2-year Summary, Table 2.

TCG-Wildcat is our best performing HRS across environments year in and year out with an excellent combination of yield and standability, with great protein and TW, and an acceptable coping reaction to disease. TCGWildcat nishes fast and

is probably one of the easiest threshing wheats on the market. We like to say, “It’s just a really nice wheat variety.”

TCG-Zelda is our newest release and is available in limited quantities for seed production in 2024. It’s our highest yield potential wheat with good quality, great standability, and early maturity. We saw the variety perform great across many environments in 2023, and we couldn’t be more excited to see TCG-Zelda in 2024

CSO

TCG-Wildcat

Widely Adapted

Exceptional Response to High Management

Excellent Combination of Yield, Standability, TW, and Protein

PVPA (94) Patented NEW

TCG-Zelda

Top Yield Potential, Standabilty, Early Maturity, and Region Wide Drought Tolerance. Good Protein and Test Weight

Patent Pending

21ST CENTURY GENETICS

TCG-Teddy

Outstanding Standability with Big Yield Punch and Good Quality

Good Tolerance to BL S

Peforms Best at Higher Seeding Rates

Patent Pending

NEW CSO

TCG-Badlands

High Yields with Good Quality on Alkali Soils

Improved Standability and Yield Compared to TCG-Wild re Patent Pending

CSO

TCG-Heartland

Excellent

Combination of Yield, Standability, TW, and Protein

TCG-Teddy has the best standability in the market with big yield punch and responds to higher planting populations.

e variety has the best tolerance to BLS in our lineup and doesn’t have the lingering stay green of many other BLS tolerant varieties. TCGTeddy pairs well with TCG-Wildcat in your 2024 planting plan.

TCG-Badlands is a new alkali tolerant variety with better standability and yield than TCGWild re, our original “IDC tolerant wheat.” We and our associates look forward to nding ideal, but all too common elds to match with this very unique type of variety.

TCG-Heartland is our

highest quality variety based on protein and TW, it has good tolerance to PHS, with excellent standability and good yielding ability especially in the Northern ird of ND and MN. Our philosophy at TCG is pretty simple. We want unmatched standability. Why? We’re honey hole hunters. We want our varieties to hit big yields in those sweet spots in producer’s elds that shoot up the eld average while maintaining consistent yield across the rest of the eld. You know what ruins a good honey hole. Lodging. Plain and simple. So keep us in mind when making your variety selection and happy honey hole hunting in 2024!

Table 1. 2023 TCG HRS Wheat trial results in 7 environments

Where to Listen

North Dakota

Bismarck KLXX 1270 AM

Casselton KZTK 103.9 FM

Devils Lake KZZY 103.5 FM

Grafton KXPO 1340 AM

Jamestown KSJB 600 AM

Langdon KNDK 1080 AM

Mayville KMAV 105.5 FM

Rugby KZZJ 1450 AM

South Dakota

Aberdeen KMOM 105.5 FM www.rrfn.com

Minnesota

Ada KRJB 106.5 FM

Bagley KKCQ 96.7 FM

Bemidji KPMI 1300 AM

Benson KBMO 1290 AM

Crookston KROX 1260 AM

Fergus Falls KBRF 1250 AM

Fosston KKCQ 1480 AM

Glenwood KMGK 107.1 FM

Mahnomen KRJM 101.5 FM

Roseau KCAJ 102.1 FM

Thief River Falls KKAQ 1460 AM

Wadena KWAD 920 AM

BE IN THE KNOW

The Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council oversees soy checkoff dollars on behalf of the state’s nearly 28,000 soybean farmers.

We invite you to join us at the 2023 Prairie Grains Conference! Learn the latest findings in checkoff-supported soybean research, engage with Council leaders and attend a breakout session on breakthroughs in soybean breeding and genetics.

Soybean Research Reporting Sessions – December 14

Time Title/Presenter

7 a.m. Soybean Breeding and Genetics at the University of Minnesota – Dr. Aaron Lorenz

7:30 a.m. A Summary of 2023 Insect Pest, SCN and Frogeye Leaf Spot Project – Dr. Angie Peltier

7:45 a.m. Cold Hardiness of Soybean Gall Midge – Pheylan Anderson, MS student

8 a.m. Evaluating Control Methods for a New Leafmining Pest of Soybean in Minnesota – Arthur Viera

8:15 a.m. Determining the Current Population of Phytophthora sojae that is Causing Stem and Root Rot in Minnesota Soybeans – Angie Peltier

8:25 a.m. Evaluating Soybean Varieties to Identify Genetic and Sources of Resistance and Escape Against White Mold – Angie Peltier

8:35 a.m. Cultivating Positive Industry Partnerships to Provide Neutral Third-Party Multi-Industry Soybean Input Comparisons to Growers – Andrew Lueck & Jenna Whitmore, Next Gen Ag LLC

Soybean Breakout Session – December 14

11:15 a.m. Future of Soybean Breeding and Genetics – Aaron Lorenz

“After two years of

testing on four different crops,

Stoller’s Bio-Forge® Advanced will now be a part of our crop plan.”

Chad Rubbelke, Rubbelke Farms

Des Lacs, ND

2023 was a challenging growing season at Rubbelke Farms near Des Lacs, North Dakota.

“We had a wet, late spring. In late May, we had a hard rain that caused crusting in our spring wheat trials. From June 10 to midAugust we had no measurable rain. It was a difficult start and the crops were stressed for lack of moisture for most of the growing season.” Chad explains.

In 2023, Chad grew spring wheat, durum, canola, flax and soybeans. On his farm, Chad does contract trials for various products. He says, “I want to find out what works and what doesn’t. I’m looking for ways to improve our farming practices.”

“We’ve tested Stoller Bio-Forge® Advanced for two years now. We’ve used it as a seed treatment on spring wheat and durum, in-furrow application on flax and post emergent applications on flax and canola.

Learn how you can improve yields on your farm by visiting with Chad at the Prairie Grains Conference in Grand Forks on December 14.

“In two years of Bio-Forge Advanced seed treatment testing on durum wheat and one year on spring wheat, we’ve achieved an average yield increase of 5.5 bushels per acre. Bio-Forge Advanced seed treat is a low cost, high ROI investment.

Our post emergent applications of Bio-Forge Advanced on canola and flax were impressive. Bio-Forge Advanced protected the plant and significantly improved plant vigor. We had no ‘herbicide hangover’ with Bio-Forge Advanced added to our flax post emergent herbicide. It was the best flax crop in the history of our farm. Going forward, Stoller products have the potential to help flax be a consistent part of our rotation,” he says.

“Our post emergent canola herbicide pass with Bio-Forge Advanced produced a plant that stood 13 inches taller with a corresponding a 300 lb/acre canola yield advantage. We were pleased.”

2024 Small Grains Update Meetings

Wheat, Soybean & Corn

JANUARY 9-12, 2024

Visit mnwheat.org for more details. Meetings are free - registration not necessary

Dr. Jochum Wiersma

Small Grains Specialist University of MN

Spring Wheat Variety Performance

Devin Hoffarth Market Development & Industry Relations Director MN Corn

New Use Opportunities for Corn

Bruce Kleven Legislative Strategist for MN Wheat

2024 Minnesota Legislative Session Update

Melissa Carlson VP of Research MN Wheat Research & Promotion Council

Wheat & Soybean On-farm Research Results

Dr. Angie Peltier

Regional Extension Educator- Crops, University of MN

Pests, Phytophthora, White Mold, SCN & Frogeye Leaf Spot

MN Association of Wheat Growers and the MN Wheat Research & Promotion Council Update

County Soybean and/or Corn Grower Association Annual Meetings will take place in: Dilworth, Ada, Crookston, and Hallock

NEW LOCATION

HALLOCK

Thursday, January 11th

8:30 a.m.

City Hall (Lunch served) (In conjunction with Kittson County Crop Show)

ROSEAU

Thursday, January 11th

3:30 p.m. Gene’s Bar & Grill (Dinner served)

ST. HILAIRE Friday, January 12th 8:30 a.m. Community Center (Lunch served) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

OTHER AREA MEETINGS:

Small Grains Update MORRIS

Monday, January 15th

12:30 - 3:00 p.m. WCROC (Lunch served)

Clay County Crops Update

DILWORTH

Tuesday, January 16th

TAK Music Venue 9:00 a.m. (Lunch served)