While parts of Ohio and other Midwestern states have been wet this winter and wheat stands may look poor, stem counts may better correlate to potential yields.

In years when late harvest limits winter wheat establishment or when winter injury reduces stand, spring hard red wheat might be a viable option. A University of Nebraska study looked at water consumption, productivity and protein content of hard red spring wheat in 2021.

Roy Pfaltzgraff III, Haxton, Colo., successfully farms where it’s “bone dry.” But with a combination of persistence and a willingness to try new things, the family operation is thriving despite the lack of moisture.