SY Manness – Pushing Boundaries, With The Right Conditions
The SY Manness hype was real last year. We called it our “Racehorse” variety for its ability to shine under ideal conditions, and shine it did. On the Pitura Seed Farm, it averaged 100.3 bushels per acre, setting a new CWRS record for us.
Big yields are exciting, but they also come with an important reminder: SY Manness won’t always be the top performer. Its success in 2024 was the result of both genetics and a fantastic growing season, and those conditions aren’t guaranteed every year.
Before looking back at the data, it’s worth noting just how different SY Manness is from most CWRS varieties. If you’ve grown it, or even driven past it, you’ve probably noticed it stands out in the field.
Bred from Faller, a CNHR, SY Manness carries yield-focused genetics that can deliver exceptional production, but that potential comes with some trade-offs.
Compared to varieties like Hockley and Starbuck, SY Manness produces 0.5–1 fewer heads per plant, meaning it won’t tiller as aggressively. That reduced tillering gives it a thinner stand appearance, but it compensates with longer heads rather than bigger kernels. Its growth pattern is also a little different, it tends to flower later than most varieties yet still matures earlier.
Why 2024 Was a Perfect Storm for SY Manness
Two main factors drove last year’s exceptional performance:
Cool June temperatures – Studies on spring wheat yield and protein found temperature to be the single most important factor affecting both (Campbell, et al. 1981). In 2024, we didn’t record a single June day over 30°C.
Consistent moisture – From May to August, we received 151% of normal precipitation, providing steady water availability all season long.
With its yield-oriented genetics and less focus on protein, SY Manness thrived when temperatures stayed moderate and moisture was plentiful. The critical period for determining grains per head (3-leaf to stem elongation) was met with near-ideal conditions.
A Look at a More Average Year
To put things in perspective, here’s 2023:
-SY Manness average yield – 52 bu/acre
-Pitura Seed Farm wheat average – 50 bu/acre
The difference? In 2023, we had 12 days over 30°C in June — a stark contrast to 2024’s mild start. The result was that SY Manness landed right around average.
Where SY Manness Fits
The data tells us SY Manness can out-yield other CWRS varieties by 10 bu/acre, but it can also be right in line with the farm average in hotter or more stressed years. That makes it an excellent candidate for diversifying your wheat acres, offering a yield-chasing option that others might not match in the right year.
Thanks to its feed wheat parentage, SY Manness brings some unique characteristics to the table. While its disease package isn’t the broadest, it’s still very manageable. The smaller kernel size and lighter color can make it stand out to a grain buyer, but we’ve been able to achieve #1 CWRS grade in back-to-back years. And remember, under CGC grading guidelines, color is not a grading factor!
The Bottom Line
Wheat breeding continues to advance, and SY Manness is a great example of the potential that comes from looking beyond traditional CWRS lines. While every season is different, it has shown it can deliver standout results when conditions line up. It's an exciting variety to have in the lineup, one that can push yield boundaries and bring something different to your wheat acres. We're looking forward to the results from this crop year!
~Jacques Remillard