Wheat School: Why Does Wheat Lose Test Weight When it Gets Rained On?

You wouldn’t think that it works this way, says Peter Johnson, cereal specialist for the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, but every single time mature wheat gets rained on, you lose test weight. But, why and how, our friends and followers on Twitter asked? The short answer? Wrinkles.

In this very informative audio version of the Wheat School, Johnson explains exactly what physical process occurs when wheat is wetted and re-wetted (sometimes even just from a heavy dew!), and why you’ll see a drop in test weight at harvest. What’s more, Johnson explains that for every rain event (or re-wetting) you can expect to lose one pound on your test weight, regardless of it being a heavy rain or a light one.

Listen below for the explanation, plus a discussion on quality impacts of rain on wheat.

Want more Wheat School? Follow this link!

If you can’t see the embedded player, click here to hear this audio.

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