OSU’s “Wyatt” Wheat: A New Champion for the Great Plains
Oklahoma State University (OSU) has unveiled a new wheat variety, “Wyatt,” poised to make a significant impact on yields across the Great Plains. Named after former OSU wrestling champion Wyatt Hendrickson, this variety promises exceptional performance and resilience, potentially reshaping wheat farming from Texas to South Dakota.
Yield Potential and Straw Strength: A Winning Combination
Dr. Brett Carver, wheat genetics chair at OSU, describes Wyatt as a “heavyweight” competitor, boasting the highest yield potential of any OSU variety since ‘Duster’ in the early 2000s. Its robust straw strength is particularly crucial, allowing it to withstand challenging Oklahoma conditions in June. In trials from 2020-2023, Wyatt consistently outperformed other OSU varieties like Showdown, Smith’s Gold, and High Cotton, averaging five or more bushels per acre more than Showdown.
Regional Performance and Lineage
Wyatt’s success isn’t limited to Oklahoma. It performed exceptionally well across the Great Plains, ranking as a top yielder in Kansas and Nebraska in 2024, and in Texas and South Dakota in 2025. The variety’s lineage – a blend of Romanian variety FDL Miranda and OSU’s Smith’s Gold – contributes to its strong yield, building on the legacy of OSU variety Gallagher.
Beyond Yield: Key Attributes of the Wyatt Variety
Wyatt offers a range of desirable characteristics for farmers and millers:
- Very large kernel size with acceptable test weight and strong milling quality
- High-yielding ceiling with excellent straw strength and intermediate height
- Average protein content
- Moderately strong adult plant resistance to stripe rust
- Moderate resistance to leaf rust (fungicide application may be necessary)
- Moderately strong resistance to barley yellow dwarf
- Intermediate resistance to tan spot
- Good grazing tolerance and yield recovery
- Variable baking quality – best suited for blending
Investing in the Future of Wheat Research
The development of Wyatt underscores OSU Agriculture’s commitment to innovation. The university is actively investing in modernizing its wheat research facilities with the Agronomy Discovery Center, including new greenhouses and a research and education center. Dr. Jayson Lusk, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, highlighted the potential for even greater advancements with updated infrastructure.
The Intersection of Athletics and Agriculture
The naming of the wheat variety after Wyatt Hendrickson, a national wrestling champion, is a unique example of OSU’s “Cowboy Code” in action. The OSU wrestling program expressed gratitude for the honor, recognizing the connection between the dedication required for athletic success and the pursuit of agricultural innovation.
FAQ: Wyatt Wheat
Q: Where is Wyatt wheat best suited for planting?
A: Wyatt performs well across the Great Plains, from central Texas to central South Dakota.
Q: Is Wyatt wheat suitable for direct baking?
A: Wyatt’s gluten strength is moderate and variable, making it best suited for commodity grain channels where it can be blended with other varieties.
Q: What are the key disease resistances of Wyatt wheat?
A: Wyatt exhibits moderate to strong resistance to stripe rust, barley yellow dwarf, and tan spot. Fungicide application may be needed for leaf rust.
Q: Who can I contact for more information about Wyatt wheat?
A: Alisa Gore with OSU Agriculture can be reached at 405-744-7115 or [email protected].
Pro Tip: Consider soil health and nutrient management practices to maximize the yield potential of Wyatt wheat. Cover cropping, as researched by OSU scientists, can further enhance environmental sustainability and improve soil quality.
Learn more about OSU’s agricultural research initiatives here.
Do you have questions about the new Wyatt wheat variety? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
