The annual Texas April Wheat Survey is the first survey of the growing season that asks producers their wheat acreage and production. This year, questions regarding variety selection and management practices were added at the request of Texas A&M System’s Small Grains Advisory Committee. Funding was provided by the Texas Wheat Producers Board, Texas Foundation Seed, Texas Seed Trade Association, AgriLife Extension and Texas AgriLife Research. Information obtained in the survey will be used to assist researchers in identifying the most important areas for future research.
Results showed that wheat producers planted a wide selection of varieties for 2009. Two-thirds of respondents were able to identify a specific variety planted with the most common varieties reported being TAM 111, Jagger, TAM 105, Weathermaster 135, TAM 110 and Fannin. These varieties accounted for over 35% of acres planted.
Of the one-third of producers who were not able to provide the varieties planted, many were able to specify that the variety was either beardless or bin run. One-half of all respondents indicated they sometimes purchase certified seed. Of those who sometimes purchase certified seed, 34 percent purchase certified seed every year. When planting certified seed, producers indicate they plant an average of 25 percent of their total acreage with certified seed.
Producers were asked to rank the importance of various wheat characteristics when selecting a variety to plant. Drought tolerance, insect resistance and test weight were the
characteristics most often identified by respondents as very important. Seventy-nine percent of respondents identified drought tolerance as very important. Only nine percent of producers indicated drought tolerance was not important.
A synopsis of the survey can be found at: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/Texas/Publications/tx_wheat_varieties.pdf .
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