Falling Numbers Not A Problem For 2017, But Could Return In the Future

It’s the kind of news Northwest wheat growers have been longing to hear.  After back to back seasons with low falling numbers, the 2017 crop looks to be back to normal.  USDA researcher Kim Campbell told the Washington Ag Network this year’s weather was much more favorable for growers than what we’ve seen the two prior years.

“The Low Falling Number problem is really controlled by the weather.”

Economic losses to the grain industry in 2016 alone exceeded $30 million, and likely approached $140 million in total after all export and seed industry costs were totaled.  And while Falling Numbers were not a problem this year, Campbell said it will continue to be an issue for grower in the future, thanks to the unpredictability of Mother Nature.

“Kind of the advantage of last year, we have a lot of data now on variety response, and we’ve developed some good screening tools, so, it’s part of all the breeders screening regiments now.  We are planning to not release lines that are really susceptible, so that’ll help in the future.”

According to the USDA, low Falling Numbers have cost western farmers millions of dollars since 2011.  Click Here for additional Falling Numbers facts, figures and research.

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