World class research provides world class seeds for Washington wheat and barley farmers. Combined with state of the art technology and farming practices creates the world standard for farming small grains.
Washington wheat and barley farmers consider many factors when making planting decisions.
Washington State Crop Improvement Association’s “Certified Seed Buying Guide” shows farmers what varieties grow well in their region through data provided by the Washington State University Variety Testing Program.
Data from the Western Wheat Quality Lab, a division of the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, can be found in the “Preferred Wheat Varieties” brochure, which highlights varieties with the best end-use characteristics.
Technology plays an important role in growing quality wheat and barley while maintaining and even improving soil health so farmers may continue to farm their ground for generations to come.
Precision farming, which uses GPS technology, helps Washington farmers use optimal crop inputs thereby reducing environmental impacts.
Winter wheat, which is planted in the fall, is protected through the winter by snow cover. Depending on the year, spring wheat can be planted beginning in March after the soil dries out enough to allow tractors into the field.