Howdy folks! It is that time of the year. The OSU Wheat Plot Tours have been scheduled, and the schedule is posted on the wheat website click here and also pasted below.
Wheat is looking good for the most part, especially when compared to last year. Some parts of the state are very dry (see picture below of the wheat in Cherokee). We could use some rain. Stripe rust showed up early in the season, which caused wheat leaf damage, especially on the wheat in the southwest region. We are still seeing it spreading throughout the state. Many fungicide applications happened in the past weeks.
In the plot tours, we will discuss wheat management practices and varieties, including their differences in disease resistance, grazing and yield potential, and other traits. In Apache and Kildare, you will be able to see our research on planting date, seeding rate, and varieties.
We will also have a field day at Rendel Farms in Miami, OK, on May 2nd. We will discuss the on-farm research being conducted there on planting date, seeding rate, and varieties. Drs. Arnall and Lofton will discuss their work as well.
We hope to see you there!
Cheers,
Amanda
Wheat variety trial at Chickasha on April 3rd, 2024. Photo: Joao Ferro, undergraduate visiting scholar in the Small Grains LabWheat with stripe rust at the Lahoma variety trial on April 18, 2024. Photo: Juan Dietz, visiting research scholar in the Small Grains Lab.Wheat variety trial at Cherokee on April 19th, 2024. Photo: Juan Dietz, visiting research scholar in the Small Grains Lab.
Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist
First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor.
We use an accelerated growth system to report the earliest onset of FHS stage. Trials are seeded early to simulate a grazed system, but the forage is not removed. Varieties reported here with the earliest FHS date should be the first to monitor in commercial fields. In practice, wheat that is grazed will likely reach FHS stage later than reported here, and differences between varieties will likely be moderate.
Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 09/18/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Table 2. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 09/21/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions.
Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist
First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor.
We use an accelerated growth system to report the earliest onset of FHS stage. Trials are seeded early to simulate a grazed system, but the forage is not removed. Varieties reported here with the earliest FHS date should be the first to monitor in commercial fields. In practice, wheat that is grazed will likely reach FHS stage later than reported here, and differences between varieties will likely be moderate.
Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 09/18/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Table 2. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 09/21/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions.
Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist
First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor.
We use an accelerated growth system to report the earliest onset of FHS stage. Trials are seeded early to simulate a grazed system, but the forage is not removed. Varieties reported here with the earliest FHS date should be the first to monitor in commercial fields. In practice, wheat that is grazed will likely reach FHS stage later than reported here, and differences between varieties will likely be moderate.
Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 09/18/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Table 2. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 09/21/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions.
Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist
First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor.
We use an accelerated growth system to report the earliest onset of FHS stage. Trials are seeded early to simulate a grazed system, but the forage is not removed. Varieties reported here with the earliest FHS date should be the first to monitor in commercial fields. In practice, wheat that is grazed will likely reach FHS stage later than reported here, and differences between varieties will likely be moderate.
Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 09/18/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Table 2. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 09/21/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions.
Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist
First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor.
We use an accelerated growth system to report the earliest onset of FHS stage. Trials are seeded early to simulate a grazed system, but the forage is not removed. Varieties reported here with the earliest FHS date should be the first to monitor in commercial fields. In practice, wheat that is grazed will likely reach FHS stage later than reported here, and differences between varieties will likely be moderate.
Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 09/18/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Table 2. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 09/21/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions.
Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist
First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor.
We use an accelerated growth system to report the earliest onset of FHS stage. Trials are seeded early to simulate a grazed system, but the forage is not removed. Varieties reported here with the earliest FHS date should be the first to monitor in commercial fields. In practice, wheat that is grazed will likely reach FHS stage later than reported here, and differences between varieties will likely be moderate.
Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 09/18/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Table 2. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 09/21/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions.
Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist
First hollow stem (FHS) is the optimal time to remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of hollow stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). The latest FHS results from OSU forage trials in Stillwater (Table 1) and Chickasha (Table 2) are listed below. For an additional resource and wheat update on FHS, see the Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor.
We use an accelerated growth system to report the earliest onset of FHS stage. Trials are seeded early to simulate a grazed system, but the forage is not removed. Varieties reported here with the earliest FHS date should be the first to monitor in commercial fields. In practice, wheat that is grazed will likely reach FHS stage later than reported here, and differences between varieties will likely moderate.
Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 09/18/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Table 2. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 09/21/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Contact your local Extension office and us if you have questions.
Amanda de Oliveira Silva, Small Grains Extension Specialist
The first hollow stem stage (FHS) indicates the beginning of stem elongation, or just before the jointing stage. It is a good indicator for when producers should remove cattle from wheat pasture. This occurs when there is 1.5 cm (5/8”, or the diameter of a dime) of stem below the developing grain head (see full explanation). This is the optimal period because it gives enough time for the crop to recover from grazing and rebuild the canopy. Also, the added cattle weight gains associated with grazing past the FHS are not enough to offset the value of the potential reduced grain yield (1-5% every day past FHS). The wheat variety, severity of grazing, time when cattle are removed, and weather conditions after cattle removal determine how much grain yield potential might be reduced.
The Mesonet First Hollow Stem Advisor was developed by researchers at Oklahoma State University to help predict when FHS is nearing. This is an online tool available on the Mesonet website. This tool uses soil temperature data to show the current probability of FHS occurrence and 1-week and 2-week projections. With this tool, producers can select their variety from a list of varieties that separates them into three FHS categories: early, middle, and late. Then, maps can be generated to provide the probability of FHS based on current conditions and the 1- and 2-week projections. Charts and tables can also be generated for individual Mesonet sites. Created maps have a color scheme to represent the probability of FHS occurrence. When using this tool, it is recommended to start scouting for FHS from a non-grazed part of the field once the 5% probability is reached (green color). Because stem elongation will begin moving quickly as the air temperature rises, starting your scouting at the 5% level will help give you the time it takes for making the preparations for cattle removal by the time FHS occurs. Methods on how to scout for FHS are listed at the end of this post. For producers who do not scout, it is recommended to remove cattle when the 50% probability level is reached. A 50% probability level indicates that over an evaluated period (e.g., 10 years), FHS would have occurred by that date in 50% of those years (e.g., 5 years). The same interpretation is used for other probability levels.
To give an example of what the tool provides and show some of the FHS conditions around Oklahoma, I have generated some statewide maps below. For producers along the southern Oklahoma border who planted an “early” wheat variety (e.g., Gallagher), now would be the time to go out and start scouting for FHS (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Current FHS probabilities for “early” wheat varieties.
Remember that this tool should be used as a proxy to begin scouting for FHS. The best estimate of FHS is still to split stems from plants in each field to determine where they are developmentally. Another word of caution I want to mention when using the tool is to consider when you were finally able to get stand establishment. If this did not occur until the end of September to the beginning of October, this tool may be a little ahead of where your plants are developmentally. In this case, the tool can still give you the cue to start scouting. Checking for FHS in each field will let you know if you do have some grazing time left.
Methods for scouting for FHS:
Check for FHS in a non-grazed area of the same variety and planting date. Variety can affect FHS date by as much as three weeks and planting date can affect it even more.
Dig or pull up a few plants and split the largest tiller longitudinally (lengthways) and measure the amount of hollow stem present below the developing grain head. You must dig plants because the developing grain head may still be below the soil surface at this stage.
If there is 1.5 cm (~5/8″) of hollow stem present, it is time to remove cattle. 1.5 cm is about the same as the diameter of a dime (see picture below).
More detailed information on FHS can be found at wheat.okstate.edu under ‘Wheat Publications’ then ‘Grazing’ or by clicking here.
The first hollow stem growth stage is reached when there is 1.5 cm of hollow stem (about the diameter of a dime) below the grain head.
Similar to previous years, we will monitor FHS occurrence in our wheat plots at Stillwater and Chickasha and report the findings on this blog. Remember that we use an accelerated growth system to report the earliest onset of the FHS stage. Trials are seeded early to simulate a grazed system, but the forage is not removed. Varieties reported here with the earliest FHS date should be the first to monitor in commercial fields. In practice, wheat that is grazed will likely reach FHS stage later than reported here, and differences between varieties will likely moderate.
The latest FHS results for each variety planted in our forage trial at Stillwater and Chickasha are listed below (Tables 1 and 2).
Table 1. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Stillwater. Plots were planted on 09/18/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Table 2. First hollow stem (FHS) results for each variety collected at Chickasha. Plots were planted on 09/21/23 but not grazed or clipped. The threshold target for FHS is 1.5 cm (5/8″ or the diameter of a dime). The value of hollow stem for each variety represents the average of ten measurements. Varieties exceeding the threshold are highlighted in red.
Oklahoma Harvest Report by the Oklahoma Wheat Commission
The Oklahoma Wheat Harvest is wrapping up in most locations across the state with the exception of some locations in North Central Oklahoma, East of Enid on the 412 Hwy corridor, and areas along the I-35 corridor around Tonkawa/Ponca City/Blackwell and Braman. Harvest is also just getting a good start on the irrigated wheat in the Panhandle regions. Not much dryland wheat will be harvested in the Panhandle, and in many areas producers will be harvesting for seed wheat with very little going to the elevators. It is thought some elevator locations will take in 25% of what is generally taken within a normal year. Other locations where irrigation is not utilized, might be fortunate to take in 5% of what they would in a normal year. Harvest is considered completed in most all other regions with a few minor exceptions of producers needing to get some fields out. The rain has continued to hinder producers in several of those locations and it will remain to be seen if producers will try to finish cutting if the rains continue through this weekend in Central and Northern Oklahoma. (Test weight and quality has held up for the most part with not much sprout damage being reported; however producers have been fighting with mud and terrible weed issues. Some are utilizing harvest aides, but if the rain continues it is thought several acres will be abandoned because the quality with yields will make the remainder of the crop not salvageable.)
This will be the final harvest report published by the Oklahoma Wheat Commission for the 2023 season. A regional publication provided by Plains Grains Inc. will follow harvest as it progresses into the Dakotas and Montana and will be published on a weekly basis at the end of each week.
Below you can see the remaining reports from locations across the state.
The Oklahoma Wheat Commission is calling harvest 90% complete.
Central Oklahoma
Hinton– Yields in the area are being reported from the low 20’s to mid 40’s. Test weights are averaging 59 to 61 lbs. per bushel. Protein was ranging from 12.5% to 13.5%. This region is 99% harvested.
El Reno – Yields in the area are being reported from the mid 20’s to mid 40’s depending on location and management practices. Some management intensive producers mentioned yields in the 50’s. Test weights range from 58 lbs. to 60 lbs. per bushel. Protein is ranging from 12% to 14%. Producers are struggling a great deal with grass and weeds in this region. This region is 95% harvested.
Okarche – Yields are being reported in the low 20’s to high 30’s for the most part. Some management intensive producers are reporting higher yields in the low 40’s. Test weights are ranging from 56 lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel. Average test weight for the region is coming in at 59 lbs. per bushel. Protein is ranging from 12.5% to 13.5%. This region is 99% harvested.
Reeding/Piedmont – Test weights on what is being harvested are at 59 lbs. per bushel. Yields are being reported from the mid 20’s to mid 30’s. Protein was averaging 13% on early cuttings. This region is 98% harvested.
Hennessey– Test weights are ranging from 57 to 58 lbs. per bushel. Yields are favorable with the region looking at a 30 bushel per acre average. Producers are facing challenges with weeds and mud in this region and have had some challenges getting the crop out. This region is 85% harvested.
Northern Oklahoma
Loyal/Hitchcock/Okeene/Fairview – Test weights are ranging from 58 to 60 lbs. per bushel. Yields are ranging from the low 20’s to mid 30’s for the most part. A few management intensive producers mentioned higher yields in the mid to higher 40’s. Overall yield average for the region should be in the high 20’s. Protein is ranging from 13% to 14%. Producers are having to deal with terrible weed pressure now in several fields. This region is 90% harvested.
Ringwood/Meno/Drummond – Test weights are ranging from 58 to 60 lbs. per bushel. Yields for this region are ranging from the mid 20’s to mid 40’s. The yield average for this region should be in the high 20’s. Protein is ranging from 12% to 14%. Producers have been dealing with untimely rains in this region and if this continues over the next week, what remains might be abandoned. This region is 85% harvested.
Burlington – Test weights in this region are mainly at 60 lbs. per bushel and above. With rains over the past few days, some have been lowered to 59 lbs. per bushel. Yields on wheat in this region are being reported from 25 bushels per acre to 35 bushels per acre with a few higher yields being reported in the low to mid 40’s, but those instances are rare. Proteins are coming in at a 13% average for the region. A large amount of wheat in this region has been abandoned and was cut down for hay. This region is 99% harvested.
Shattuck – Test weights at this location have been reported at 58 lbs. to 62 lbs. per bushel depending on location and management practices. Dryland wheat in this area is reportedly making in the low 20’s. Some irrigated wheat in this region is being reported to be making 60 bushels per acre. Protein is ranging from 12.5% to 14%. This region is 80% harvested.
Kremlin/Wakita/Renfrow – Yields for this region are being reported at a 30 to 35 bushel average, but a lot of wheat in the region has been abandoned due to severe drought. Test weights for most of the wheat in this region was at 60 lbs. per bushel, but some has been lowered now to the untimely rains . Proteins are ranging from 12% to 14%. This region is 95% harvested.
Pond Creek/Hunter/Medford – Yields are ranging from the low 20’s to low 40’s depending on location and management practices. Test weights are reported at 60 lbs. per bushel for a majority of the wheat harvested, but due to untimely rains some wheat is now in the 58 lb. to 59 lb. range. Proteins ranging from 12% to 14%. This region is 90% harvested.
Tonkawa/Ponca City/Blackwell/Braman – Test weights for this region have been ranging from 58 lbs. to 60 lbs. per bushel. Producers report the wheat to be making 30 to 35 bushels per acre for the most part as an average in this region. Proteins are ranging from 13% to 14%. Producers are starting to face challenges with heavy weed pressure in this area. Heavy rains have hindered harvest in this region this week. If this continues, it looks like what remains to be harvested might be fully abandoned. This region is 70% harvested.
Oklahoma Panhandle
Perryton TX/Balko- Harvest started for the most part late last week in this region. It is predicted the irrigated wheat in the region is doing a little better than expected, however locations in this region plan on taking in 25% of what they would in a normal year. Some dryland wheat is being harvested in the Balko region with yields ranging from 10 to 25 bushels per acres. Yields on the irrigated wheat are ranging from 60 to 80 bushels per acre, and in some locations doing better depending on where rain was received. In the locations with better moisture, some yields are reported making 100 to 125 bushels per acre. Test weights have ranged all over the board from 58 lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel. Proteins are ranging from 11 to 13%
Texhoma- Some of the irrigated wheat in this region is making 60 to 80 bushels per acre. Some fields being reported to be making 100 to 117 bushels per acres on the irrigated wheat. Test weights ranging from 58 lbs. to 61 lbs. per bushel. Proteins are ranging from 11% to 13%.
Hooker – Some dryland wheat has been harvested in this region. Test weights were ranging from 60 to 63 lbs. per bushel on dryland wheat. Yields were ranging from 10 to 20 bushels per acre. Irrigated wheat harvest has yields ranging all over the board but most is making between 60 to 80 bushels per acre. Test weights on irrigated wheat ranging from 57 lbs. to 59 lbs. per bushel. Proteins are ranging from 11% to 14%.
Boise City – Harvest has begun in this region, test weights have been running from 57 to 58 lbs. per bushel for the most part. Yields have been ranging from 10 bushels to 15 bushels per acre for the most part on what is being reported. Protein is running from 11% to 13%. Most of the wheat harvested in this region will be stored on the farm for seed wheat purposes.
Northeast Oklahoma
Afton – 60% of the wheat reported at this location is Soft Red Winter Wheat, and the other 40% is Hard Red Winter. Harvest on both classes has been extremely high quality with favorable yields. Test weights on all wheat have been 60 lbs. and above with the majority of the wheat coming in at 62 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel. Yields on the Hard Red Winter Wheat are being reported at 40 to 50 bushels per acre. Yields on the Soft Red Winter Wheat are being reported at 80 to 100 bushels per acre. No proteins have been reported. Harvest in this region is 99% complete.
Miami – 95% of the wheat reported at this location is Soft Red Winter Wheat, the other 5% is Hard Red Winter Wheat. Harvest on both classes has been extremely high quality with favorable yields. Test weights on all wheat has been 60 lbs. and above with the majority of the wheat coming in at 62 lbs. to 63 lbs. per bushel. Yields on the Hard Red Winter wheat are being reported at 40 to 50 bushels per acre. Yields on the Soft Red Winter Wheat are being reported from 80 to 100 bushels per acre. No proteins have been reported. Harvest in this region is 99% complete.
Wheat Classes And What They Are Used For
Hard Red Winter (HRW) – A versatile wheat with excellent milling and baking characteristics for pan bread. Hard Red Winter wheat is also a choice for Asian noodles, hard rolls, flat breads, general purpose flour and cereal.
Soft Red Winter (SRW)– A versatile, weak-gluten wheat with excellent milling and baking characteristics suited for cookies, crackers, pretzels, pastries and flat breads.
Below, see the Forecast through Friday and 3-Day Rainfall Accumulation recorded by the Oklahoma Mesonet. This will be the last harvest report of the season published by the Oklahoma Wheat Commission. A regional report will be published by Plains Grain Inc. on Friday, July 7, 2023.
WORLD OF WHEAT 