High rainfall across most regions created challenges throughout the growing season, with sowing in some cases delayed until late November. Weather conditions also impacted crop management during the season.
Despite this, spring wheat yields were strong, with Canterbury trials averaging 8.7 t/ha and Feilding 8.4 t/ha, both similar to their respective 4-year averages of 8.6 t/ha and 8.1 t/ha. Notable changes were observed in disease ratings, particularly for Fusarium head blight (FHB).
Barley yields were generally in line with the 4-year regional averages, although a few trials recorded lower results. Changes in disease ratings were noted for scald, leaf rust, and powdery mildew.
Trial-specific yields are available in the evaluations, and individual cultivar disease ratings can be found in the agronomic comments section of this book. For more information on seasonal weather at each trial site, visit FAR’s weather platform via the FAR website (www.far.org.nz) and search for the weather station nearest the trial locations.