2004 North Dakota Barley, Oat, Rye and Flax
Variety Selection Guide         PDF Printer Friendly Version

Barley, oat, rye and flax varieties are tested each year at multiple sites throughout North Dakota. The relative performance of these varieties are shown in table form. Variety performance data are used to provide variety recommendations to producers.

Some varieties may not be included in the tables due to insufficient testing, lack of seed availability or they offer no yield or disease advantage over similar varieties. Additional data from county sites are available at www.ag.ndsu.nodak.edu/aginfo/variety/index.htm and from each research and extension center. Descriptions of the most commonly grown varieties in the region are included for informational purposes. To decrease the potential of making errors when choosing a variety, it is best to use data combined from multiple locations and years.

Information contained in this circular is based on research conducted by the following experiment station scientists, plant breeders, cereal scientists, and plant pathologists.

Barley, oat, rye and flax varieties currently grown in North Dakota are described in the following tables. Successful production of these crops depends on numerous factors including selecting the right variety for a particular area. The information included in this publication is meant to aid in selecting that variety or group of varieties. Characteristics to evaluate in selecting a variety are: yield potential in your area; test weight; straw strength and plant height; reaction to important diseases; and maturity. Selecting varieties with good quality is also important to maintain market recognition.

When selecting a top yielding variety it is best to use data that summarizes several years and locations. The notion that the single data set nearest your farm will indicate which variety will perform the best for you is incorrect. Choose the variety that on average performs the best at multiple locations near you over several years.

List of Tables 

• Table 1. 2004 North Dakota barley variety descriptions.
• Table 2. Percent plump, protein, and yield of barley at three locations in Eastern North Dakota, 2001-2003.
• Table 3. Yield and test weight of barely varieties at four locations in Western North Dakota, 2001-2003.
• Table 4. Plump and protein of barley varieties at four locations in Western North Dakota, 2001-2003.
• Table 5. 2004 North Dakota oat variety descriptions.
• Table 6. Yield and test weight of oat varieties at three locations in Eastern North Dakota, 2001-2003.
• Table 7. Yield and test weight of oat varieties at four locations in Western North Dakota, 2001-2003.
• Table 8. 2004 North Dakota winter rye variety descriptions.
• Table 9. Yield and test weight of winter rye varieties at seven locations in North Dakota, 2001-2003.
• Table 10. 2004 North Dakota flax variety descriptions.
• Table 11. Yield and test weight of flax varieties at two locations in Western North Dakota, 2001-2003.
• Table 12. Yield and test weight of flax varieties at two locations in Eastern North Dakota, 2001-2003.