No single perfect wheat variety is a perfect fit for all production systems or in all years. So using complementary varieties will enable you to realize the greatest benefit from a specific variety's strengths and offset, to a high degree, its potential weaknesses.

According to Bob Klein, UNL cropping system specialist in North Platte, an example of this complementation might be growing a high yielding wheat with less winter hardiness and a variety that yields a bit less but has good winter hardiness.

The practice improves the opportunity for yield stability and profitability of your entire wheat production system, says Klein. The number of complementary varieties that are grown as part of a wheat enterprise and the acres planted to each variety depend on specific production conditions and any special needs such as common diseases or insects.

Farmers who do not have enough acres to justify planting several varieties, may want to consider using a blend of three or four varieties. Also, tenants whose landlords don't have enough acres to justify planting several varieties could reduce risks by planting a blend.

Klein offers these four steps in developing and updating your wheat farm's variety complementation strategy:

1. Identify your workhorse varieties. These are the varieties you now grow on a majority of your wheat acres because they have a reliable and proven record of performance over several years in your preferred production management system.

2. Complement your production needs and limits. Select a variety or varieties that have characteristics needed for specific production practices such as straw strength or height, and typical soil conditions. Choose varieties that offer the best level of protection from expected diseases and other yield limiting factors common to your growing conditions or area.

3. Complement with a range in maturity. The major limiting factor to wheat production in Nebraska is the short grain fill period, from 2-1/2 to 4 weeks. Because you can't be sure about the weather during that critical time of year, select varieties that will mature earlier (or later or some of both) than your workhorse variety. A spread of maturities also will allow you to stagger your harvest schedule and take maximum advantage of your available equipment.

4. Complement with different genetic families. Varieties with closely related genetic backgrounds often can be susceptible to the same diseases and production stresses. You can lower those risks by selecting varieties that share 50% or less common parentage with your workhorse variety and each other. Varieties with similar backgrounds often can be susceptible to the same disease, insects and production risks. See the fall Nebraska Seed Guide (EC103) for a list of many of the winter wheat varieties and their predominant genetic family.