The 1998 season marked the 13th season of the Southwestern Idaho Cooperative Extension Winter and Spring Small Grain Performance Trials. The trials, supported by the Idaho Wheat Commission and Idaho Barley Commission, enable the testing of public and private varieties and advanced lines under the irrigated and dryland conditions of the Treasure Valley.

Four irrigated winter trials were conducted during the 1998 season. One of the trials was planted in early October and three were planted in early to mid November for evaluation of winter or spring wheat varieties under late fall planted conditions.   Four irrigated spring trials were conducted with planting dates ranging from early to mid April.

The early Parma and Weiser winter sites may have been limited in yield due to inadequate available N.  Despite excellent yields of the more productive varieties, soft white winter wheat protein averaged only 9.8% in the early planted Parma trial and 9.7% in the Weiser trial. These protein levels are somewhat below those normally necessary for maximum yields.