Curious how your favorite wheat varieties performed this year? Looking for something new to try? Would you like to see what new wheat varieties might be released in the future?
Harvest is complete for all of the Crop Variety and Hybrid Testing Program’s 2025 trial locations, and Nebraska wheat growers can now begin reviewing results on CropWatch. Growers are encouraged to check back frequently as multi-location and multi-year summaries will be posted in the coming weeks.
Despite dry fall and spring conditions and pressure from wheat streak mosaic virus, several Panhandle sites outperformed expectations. This year’s trials also included a bonus no-cost site in southern Cheyenne County, offering an additional point of comparison for growers in the region. The west-central region also saw reasonable yields for the unique growing season. eastern Nebraska fared more poorly than usual, also due to a dry fall and uneven emergence after planting.
The Crop Performance Testing (CPT) Program continues to be a collaborative effort made possible by the Nebraska growers who host trial plots each year. These on-farm trials help generate research-based, unbiased data to support better decision-making statewide.
2026 Variety Trial Enrollment Now Open
Growers and seed companies interested in participating in the 2026 trials can now submit entries. Trial locations will remain the same as in 2025, with a per-site entry fee of $235. While exact field locations may vary slightly based on cooperator availability, all entries are tested at every site within their designated region. Entry forms are due by Friday, Aug. 15, and seed shipments should arrive by Friday, Aug. 22.
The CPT team will also continue its winter annual forage trial in Cheyenne County for winter triticale, hybrid rye and winter wheat. This trial includes targeted cuts at the boot/heading and milk stages and is priced at $1,000 per entry. Continuation of the forage trial is contingent on sufficient enrollment.
Save the Date: 2026 Wheat Variety Tours
Wheat field tours are tentatively planned for June 2026 in Jefferson, Perkins, Red Willow, Cheyenne, Deuel, Box Butte and Banner counties. Exact dates and times will be announced in spring.
For more information or to request entry forms, contact:
- Amanda Easterly, Research Assistant Professor and Nebraska Crops Testing Program Lead
- Dr. Cody Creech, Dryland Cropping Systems Specialist
- Or call the UNL Panhandle Research and Extension Center at 308-254-3918.
