ST. LOUIS (July 7, 2026) — As planting time approaches, refining winter wheat variety selection could be key to success with the 2027 crop. “Most growers are chasing yield, but disease tolerance, end-use quality and agronomic characteristics like standability and maturity should be factored into their variety decisions,” said Mark Lubbers, WestBred® Wheat technical product manager. “Select varieties that have performed consistently well on the farm over several seasons, but also plan on planting multiple varieties this season.”
For some parts of the Central Plains and Southwest, last year’s winter wheat crop was significantly impacted by drought and freeze. Each crop year is different. Planting three or four different varieties with a range of maturities, plant heights and disease packages can help overcome challenges in various growing conditions. “We don’t know what each year will bring,” Lubbers said. “That’s why it’s important not to limit your operation to just one or two varieties. In drought-prone areas, some farmers may feel the urge to shift to planting more drought-tolerant varieties. Don’t make a knee-jerk reaction—make sure those varieties still meet your other agronomic needs.”
Disease and pest management should absolutely be considered when selecting varieties for planting, said Lubbers. “Mosaic wheat streak, Fusarium head blight and Hessian fly can show up in the Central Plains and Southern regions,” he said. “There are proven-performing WestBred winter wheat varieties bred to help with these pathogens and pests that growers can select for this planting season.”
Growers planting the CoAXium® Wheat Production System in rotation with the Clearfield® Plus Wheat Production System should consider rotating genetics when switching chemistries for increased yield potential, grain quality, disease package and better agronomics for their farm. Winter wheat growers looking for clean fields, high yield potential and outstanding grain quality should consider WestBred Wheat brand CoAXium and Clearfield Plus varieties that have demonstrated proven performance.
Farmers planning to purchase certified seed should contact suppliers early to discuss availability and secure their preferred varieties. “With certified seed, you know the seed counts, and you know the germination,” Lubbers said. “That allows farmers to adjust seeding rates accordingly and know exactly what they’re putting in the ground.”
