Oklahoma State University (OSU) varieties continue to lead planted acres of Hard Red Winter Wheat across the state of Oklahoma, according to the March 2025 “Oklahoma Variety Report” from USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service. For the seventh year in a row, the top five leading wheat varieties planted in the state were developed by OSU with another three listed in the top eight this year. 12 of the top 25 varieties listed by the USDA report were developed by OSU. Over 49% of the wheat acres planted for the 2025 season are OSU developed.
Doublestop CL Plus variety takes the top spot for the fourth year in a row as one in eight acres in Oklahoma were planted to this variety this past fall, with Green Hammer in second place for the second year in a row, and Smith’s Gold maintaining its number three location with Showdown moving from 6th place last year to the number four position. It should be no surprise to see the upward movement in Showdown, as it is widely adapted from west Texas to central Kansas, including the Oklahoma panhandle and has a very high yield ceiling. Showdown shows good standability and responds well to grazing with adequate seeding density. Showdown also incorporates dual-biotype Hessian fly resistance. OK Corral the OSU beardless variety that is great for grazing as well as grain, and has been a favorable replacement for Deliver, moved from seventh spot to fifth place. Mainstay varieties Gallagher and Endurance moved into the sixth and eight spots respectively. Moving from number 16 to 7th spot, Strad CL Plus made great strides. Strad CL Plus follows right in line and is known as the Doublestop CL Plus upgrade for straw strength, forage production and earlier maturity. The top eight OSU developed varieties totals 45.7% of the Oklahoma’s seeded acreage for the 2025 crop that is now in the ground.
The OSU varieties offer a genetically diverse portfolio with wide adaptation across most regions of the state. Producers looking for high yielding varieties with the Gold-n- Grain ™ trademark provide the best qualities for millers and bakers. (One message rings loud and clear, based on Wheat Quality Council and preferred variety lists–, millers and bakers are sourcing from Oklahoma for the most suitable wheat quality.) Other core varieties for producer use include Bentley, Butlers Gold, High Cotton, Duster and Uncharted. Newer OSU varieties released in 2020, continued advanced movement into the survey this year with significant gains in acreage. These include Uncharted, a variety that represents a significant breakthrough in Barley Yellow Dwarf protection and novel leaf rust resistance. Trailing not far behind is Butler’s Gold, a short season wheat that gives more options to producers growing multiple crops, and High Cotton, just released this past year with increased acreage and seed availability for the 2024 planting season, made the list for the first time.
What does High Cotton have to offer?
· The increased yield of this variety is expected to offset potential declines in planted wheat acreage in the future and help maintain the nation’s current food supply.
· With yield, High Cotton exceeds Showdown, Smith’s Gold, Bentley and Gallagher wheat varieties by 5 to 13 bushels per acre. It performed at 17% above average in OSU statewide yield trials.
· Its test weight has averaged 1.2 pounds per bushel above the average research trials, and the Wheat Quality Council found it to have acceptable milling and baking attributes.
· It has dual moderate resistance to leaf and stripe rust as well as resistance to other common wheat diseases in Oklahoma.
· High Cotton is a dual-purpose wheat that provides early grazing opportunities while sustaining winter dormancy.
Newer Releases for the Future
Thanks to wheat improvement programs like the one at OSU, producers continue to have improved and expanded options of wheat varieties to plant. Whether it is improved stress or pest tolerance or increased yields coupled with end-use quality expected by our food industry, the Oklahoma Wheat Improvement Team at OSU is working to develop varieties that are meeting producers’ changing needs.
Most importantly, OSU wheat varieties are locally adapted but globally marketed.
It is important to note the varieties released by the Wheat Improvement Team at OSU have been through several years of testing for quality-based attributes that domestic and foreign customers expect in their milling and baking operations. Variety development programs that rush a variety to release may not provide the same level of scrutiny for end-use performance. By finding important traits that are beneficial to grain buyers, the OSU Wheat Improvement Team is also working to penetrate a wider segment in the food sector by creating varieties that have dual benefit to farmers and end users. Click here for the 2025 USDA Oklahoma Wheat Variety Survey.
