Strengths:

• Very Good Test Weight
• Excellent Yield Record
• Very Good Drought Tolerance
• Very Good Straw Strength, Especially for a Taller Variety

Comments:

Winterhawk is intermediate to the 2012 race of Stripe Rust and to acid soils. Winterhawk has excellent drought and heat tolerance. Its biggest weakness is that it is susceptible to Stem Rust, which can be a serious problem. Stem Rust is a disease that is difficult to control later in the season, so don't plant the whole farm to this variety. Stem Rust hasn't been a widespread problem in the Central Plains for many years, but that's because most varieties have been resistant. Winterhawk has medium maturity with long showy heads. It emerges well and covers the ground quickly in the fall. It is a medium tall variety that produces good residue levels for western areas. Its grazing potential is good and can be used in a graze-and-grain system.

Phillips Seed's Management Tips:

Winterhawk has very good eye appeal when headed out. Excellent drought and heat tolerance make it best suited for the far western High Plains region, due to the lower occurrence of diseases to which it is susceptible. The northern tier of counties in KS and all of NE may need to spray for Stem or Leaf Rust. Control of volunteer wheat will help reduce the presence of Wheat Streak Mosaic. Winterhawk had outstanding yields again in 2014, scoring a 3 year overall average of 109.4% of plot averages in 25 plots.