2003 Winter Wheat Crop Performance Results

Yields in 2003 were very good across most of South Dakota and an improvement over 2002. Moisture levels at most locations were at least adequate in the spring and early summer with favorable cool temperatures in June for crop growth. Central South Dakota suffered moisture stress as shown by low yields and test weights at Pierre, Tripp County, and Hayes (Table 1 and 2). Statewide, the average winter wheat yield (Crop Performance Testing Program) was 56 bu/A in 2003, or 17 bu/A better than in 2002. The better performing varieties in 2003 were Jagalene, Millennium, Wahoo, Expedition, and Wesley.