Winter wheat acreage is at a high level across the Prairies as producers take advantage of the yield improvements offered by new varieties.
The 2003-04 crop year saw near-record winter wheat production, with approximately 700,000 seeded acres.
“Winter wheat has really been a success story the past several years and we’re seeing more interest than ever in producing the crop,” said Bob Linnell, executive manager of Winter Cereals Canada Producers.
An acreage boom in the eastern Prairies has been driven in part by the crop’s ability to typically avoid the window of infestation for fusarium head blight and wheat midge, which are major wheat problems in that region.
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“Avoiding the major pest and disease concerns is a main reason for the rise; it’s what has gotten winter wheat inside the door for many producers,” Linnell said.
“But as those producers have success, the other benefits are becoming clear as well, and that’s good news for the future of the crop.”
Front and centre among winter wheat benefits are the improvements growers are seeing in new varieties, many of which they paid for through the wheat checkoff administered by the Western Grains Research Foundation.
Yield in particular has improved dramatically, said Linnell, a long-time winter wheat producer.
On his farm near Weyburn, Sask., Linnell has typically grown varieties from Brian Fowler’s breeding program at the University of Saskatchewan’s Crop Development Centre.
“My first experience growing winter wheat was Norstar, which had no stem or leaf rust resistance and a lodging problem because of weak straw. When Brian came out with the varieties CDC Kestrel and CDC Claire, we saw a lot better package and a 20 to 25 percent yield advantage,” said Linnell.
“Now, with the newer series of varieties such as CDC Falcon, CDC Harrier and CDC Raptor, we’re seeing another 25 to 30 percent yield advantage above CDC Kestrel and CDC Claire.”
He said today’s top winter wheat varieties offer significantly higher yields than comparable spring wheat varieties.
“Under good conditions for both crops, winter wheat can outyield spring wheat by an average of 30 to 40 percent.”
The yield advantage is just one benefit. The crop fits well with farming systems that reduce erosion, offers more efficient water use than spring-seeded crops, typically requires fewer inputs and energy, avoids seeding problems during late, wet springs and has an earlier harvest than spring wheat.
Variety development highlights are numerous. Fowler has increased yield potential and improved winter survival characteristics. Rob Graf at Agriculture Canada’s research centre in Lethbridge has improved yield and protein content, particularly for irrigated production in southern Alberta. Anita Brule Babel at the University of Manitoba has improved resistance to leaf and stem rust resistance.
