The art and science of naming a wheat variety

What's in a name?

Well, a lot more than you might think, at least when it comes to the Oklahoma State University-bred wheat varieties that ultimately graduate from experimental lines to commercial products.

The OSU Wheat Improvement Team invests an average of 10 to 12 years developing each of the high performing varieties for which the breeding program is known. The same exacting attention is given to naming the tangible fruits of that labor.

In fact, the naming process often begins 1 to 3 years before a variety is released. Yes, it’s that serious.

“As soon as I see an experimental line with commercial potential, the marketing gears begin to turn,” said Brett Carver, OSU wheat breeder.

In late September, OSU released four new hard red winter wheat varieties. As part of their official rollout, experimental lines OK12716, OK13209, OK13621 and OK13625 became Showdown, Green Hammer, Baker’s Ann and Skydance.

The quartet joins other OSU-bred varieties branded with colorfully descriptive, yet deeply meaningful, names. Examples include Smith’s Gold, Stardust and Spirit Rider.

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