Oregon Wheat Research

Commission Research Proposals

The Oregon Wheat Commission has approved research funding for the fiscal year July 1, 2054 to June 30, 2026 timeframe. The Commission will seek pre-proposals for the next fiscal year in the fall, with a December deadline. We welcome discussion on research inquiries at any time.

Resources for Wheat Producers

The links below will take you to external sites and documents for connections to researchers and information

Variety Trial Data
Preferred Varieties
Columbia Basin Ag Research Center (OSU) and Columbia Plateau Conservation Center (USDA)

Cereal Variety App Available!

The Oregon Wheat Commission supported development of an app for wheat producers to more easily access variety trial performance information when making seed purchasing decisions. Download the app and customize it for your growing area! You can also Find 2025 Oregon Wheat and Barley Yield Trial Data here.The Oregon statewide variety trials provide growers with performance data on commonly grown and newly released wheat and barley varieties. Our close collaborations with public and private breeding programs allow us to test promising experimental lines and often allows us to accumulate 2-3 years of data on varieties before they are released. Trial locations are chosen to capture a range of environmental conditions and cropping systems in the wheat production areas of Oregon. We evaluate each variety in the program for yield, test weight, grain protein, plant height, and heading date, and evaluate each winter wheat entry for disease resistance and end-use quality.

Stripe Rust

The Commission annually funds research to monitor the conditions for stripe rust to advise producers when controls may be needed. Variety selection can reduce the impact when selecting for less susceptible cultivars.

The current stripe rust conditions report and information on cultivar susceptibility is available below.

Stripe Rust Updates

June 2025 Stripe Rust Update

Stripe Rust Cultivar Susceptibility

Research Reports: 2025 Results

The compiled progress and final reports on Commission funded research from the past year are now available for review. See below to access reports.

2025 Progress Report
2024 Final Report

Combating Take-All

Take-all disease of wheat is caused by the soilborne fungus Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici (Ggt). This disease infects the roots, crown, and basal stem of plants. Take-all is common in western Oregon whenever consecutive crops of wheat are grown. Management techniques can help combat take-all. If you are considering a wheat-on-wheat planting this year, read through the 'Combating Take-All' publication below from Oregon State.

Techniques to Manage Take-All

Management to Combat Take-All

Managing Herbicide Resistant Weeds

Best Management Practices (BMPs) to manage herbicide-resistant weeds are critical to the long-term sustainability of wheat production in the Pacific Northwest. Using BMPs are the most effective way to manage weeds, including herbicide-resistant weeds, especially when incorporated into a long-term weed management plan.

Resources for producers on BMP's are available below. In addition, we are pleased to have secured federal funding as part of the tri-state collaborative to further address herbicide resistant weed issues.

Managing Herbicide Resistant Weeds in the PNW

Fusarium Head Blight

If your operation has corn production as an opportunity, it is critical to consider breaking the disease cycle with a non-grass crop following corn. When possible, tillage following the corn rotation before planting wheat is highly encouraged to help bury and break down corn residue and reduce the inoculum source. Watch the short field day video about Fusarium head blight or access the document outlining recommended actions from OSU here. This document is compiled as a follow up to the video, and is aimed as an informational resource for producers who plan to plant winter wheat, directly following corn.

FHB has been historically rare and of little economic importance due to limited springtime rainfall. However, with increased rainfall in spring, growers can take steps to assess and mitigate impacts, when needed. Learn more here.

Wheat Breeding

The wheat and barley breeding programs are a cornerstone of research funded by the Commission. The OSU Wheat and Barley Breeding programs have a long standing reputation for success working to develop wheat classes and varieties adapted to the production constraints in different regions while meeting customer end-use needs.

Each year, OSU tests more than 40,000 genetically distinct lines specifically for the Pacific Northwest. With wheat breeding, quality testing, and extension, OSU is uniquely equipped to meet the needs of the farmer, the miller, and the baker.Learn more about how wheat breeding programs at Oregon State University focus on quality traits, resistance to diseases, and adaptability to a wide range of growing environments here.

RESEARCH Investments Return Results

Research investments ensures our ability to meet society’s need for safe, nutritious, and affordable food supplies while remaining competitive in global markets.

Producers invest almost $1 million annually of their own dollars through the Oregon Wheat Commission assessments into research on weed management, disease control, variety development, reducing input use, carbon sequestration, and sustainability of farm operations.

Research Proposal Solicitation Timeline

The Commission annually solicits proposals for research projects that will provide direct benefit to Oregon wheat producers. These proposals are then presented to Commission members at the annual research review for prioritization. Final decisions are made through the budget process.

GENERAL TIMELINE

Pre-proposal deadline: December
OWC staff review of proposals: December
Full proposal invitation: December/January
Deadline for Full Proposal Submission: February
Commission review of full proposals: February
Anticipated Commission decision on proposals: May
Contracts Executed: June
Project Execution: July 1 through June 30

QUESTIONS/CONTACT

Contact the Commission office with any questions at 503-467-2161.