North Dakota Hard Red Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results for 2025 and Selection Guide

During the 2024-25 growing season, 100,000 acres of winter wheat were planted and 85,000 acres were harvested. While no statewide winter wheat yield estimate was available at the time of writing this publication, winter wheat yield was extremely variable across the state. Many acres of winter wheat were abandoned early in 2025 after an exceptionally warm and dry fall in 2024 inhibited germination and emergence. Much of the crop failed to emerge before snowfall and many fields suffered winter kill. For those fields surviving the winter and harvested for grain, yield varied from typical ranges of 50-60 bushels per acre (bu/a) to exceptionally high, for example, 90 plus bu/a, in areas that received abundant spring precipitation.

ND Noreen, a 2020 release from NDSU, was reported as the most commonly planted winter wheat variety in the state at 16.6% of acres. In second place was Ideal, a 2011 release from SDSU, reported on 10.8% of acres. Other varieties not named in the survey comprised 72.6% of winter wheat acres.

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 potential. 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.