‘MT Cash’ Forage Hard Red Winter Wheat

“MT Cash” Forage Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is a hard red winter wheat developed by Montana State University for forage production. MT Cash was chosen for its high forage yield, good winter hardiness, strong straw and stripe rust resistance. It is a good choice for producers looking for a productive fall-planted forage wheat with earlier heading than Willow Creek.

High forage yield is the standout feature of MT Cash. Its breeding and selection focused on forage production while maintaining good seed yield and the agronomic traits needed for dependable field performance. Strong straw helps the crop stand through the growing season, while good resistance to stripe rust adds an important benefit in areas where the disease affects winter wheat.

Forage quality evaluations are similar to Wintercreek and Ray. MT Cash has a strong combination of both forage yield and straw strength.

Compared to Willow Creek, MT Cash reaches heading approximately seven days earlier. Earlier maturity not only gives producers an earlier window to harvest but also provides a wider window to harvest and more time to establish maximum yield and feed quality before cutting.

MT Cash was evaluated in winter cereal forage trials across Montana, as well as intrastate trials at eight Montana locations and one location in Williston, North Dakota. It has shown adaptation for forage production in central Montana. Its stripe rust resistance and straw strength also make it a promising option for northwest Montana.

MT Cash is awnletted, which means the seed heads have short awns, or “beards.” MT Cash is an excellent choice for producers looking for high forage output, winter hardiness, and early heading in a fall-planted wheat.

**Field Considerations**

MT Cash has hollow stems and is susceptible to wheat stem sawfly damage. Consider local sawfly pressure when selecting fields. Resistance to leaf rust and stem rust has not been established.