A Wheat Variety Built for the Texas High Plains
TAM 116 was developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research and released as a hard red winter wheat variety, with Adaptive Genetics listed as its commercial source. Texas A&M AgriLife has repeatedly recognized TAM 116 as a High Plains wheat variety suited to multiple water regimes, including full irrigation, limited irrigation, and dryland production.
That versatility makes TAM 116 particularly useful in West Texas, where wheat production can vary considerably from one field to another. Growers can position it on productive irrigated ground while still considering it for limited-water and suitable dryland acres.
TAM 116 also provides strong straw strength and medium to medium-early maturity, helping create a balanced agronomic package rather than relying on yield potential alone.
Strong Grain Potential with Dual-Purpose Flexibility
TAM 116 is more than a grain-only option. Texas A&M AgriLife describes the variety as an excellent dual-purpose wheat, giving producers the flexibility to incorporate fall and winter grazing into their wheat program while maintaining grain production potential.
For grain producers, TAM 116 has demonstrated competitive yield and test weight in High Plains trials. In the 2023 irrigated Dumas Uniform Wheat Variety Trial, TAM 116 recorded a 2023 test weight of 57.1 lb/bu and had multi-year yield data supporting its inclusion among established High Plains varieties. Actual performance will vary with location, rainfall, irrigation, fertility, planting date, disease pressure, and management.
Its disease package adds another advantage. Current Texas A&M AgriLife information rates TAM 116 very strongly against stripe rust while also noting moderate tolerance to wheat streak mosaic virus. Leaf rust should still be monitored because disease ratings can change as pathogen populations evolve.
Agronomic Profile
Crop Type: Hard Red Winter Wheat
Developer: Texas A&M AgriLife Research
Commercial Source: Adaptive Genetics
Release: 2023
Primary Use: Grain / Dual-Purpose
Regional Fit: Texas High Plains and surrounding Southern Great Plains production areas
Water Regime: Irrigated, Limited Irrigation & Dryland
Maturity: Medium to Medium-Early
Plant Height: Medium
Straw Strength: Very Good
Yield Potential: Good
Test Weight: Good
Stripe Rust: Excellent Resistance
Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus: Moderate Tolerance
Leaf Rust: Scout and manage according to current disease pressure and regional recommendations
Disease ratings can change over the commercial life of a wheat variety as rust races and other pathogens change. Growers should use current regional ratings and continue scouting even when planting varieties with resistance or tolerance.
Recommended Planting
TAM 116 can fit both grain-only and dual-purpose wheat systems. Final planting rate should be based on planting date, available moisture, irrigation capacity, seed size, germination percentage, grazing plans, and yield goals.
Grain-Only Production:
Plant during the recommended wheat planting window for your area. Use a seeding rate appropriate for available moisture and production potential, with lower populations generally suited to moisture-limited dryland acres and higher populations considered under stronger irrigation and higher yield environments.
Dual-Purpose / Grazing:
Earlier planting may be used when fall forage production is an important goal. Grazing systems may also justify a higher seeding rate to establish additional fall forage and compensate for grazing pressure.
Planting Depth:
Generally target approximately 1–2 inches, adjusting for soil texture and moisture. Seed should be placed into adequate moisture whenever possible to encourage quick, uniform emergence.
Fertility:
Base nitrogen, phosphorus, and other fertility decisions on a current soil test, realistic yield goals, residual nutrients, irrigation plans, and whether the crop will be grazed.
For West Texas production, planting recommendations should ultimately be adjusted field-by-field rather than relying on one universal seeding rate.
TAM 116 Wheat FAQ
Is TAM 116 a hard red winter wheat?
Yes. TAM 116 is classified as a hard red winter wheat variety developed by Texas A&M AgriLife Research.
Is TAM 116 good for West Texas?
Yes. TAM 116 is specifically recognized by Texas A&M AgriLife as a variety suited to Texas High Plains wheat production and has been included among High Plains wheat Picks.
Can TAM 116 be planted dryland?
Yes. TAM 116 has shown good yield potential in both irrigated and dryland environments and has been included in High Plains recommendations across multiple water regimes.
Can TAM 116 be used for grazing?
Yes. TAM 116 is considered a dual-purpose wheat and can fit operations wanting fall or winter grazing along with grain production.
Is TAM 116 resistant to stripe rust?
TAM 116 currently carries an excellent stripe rust resistance rating in Texas A&M AgriLife’s 2025–2026 High Plains information. Growers should still scout fields because disease pressure and resistance ratings can change over time.
Does TAM 116 have wheat streak mosaic virus tolerance?
Yes. Current AgriLife information describes TAM 116 as having moderate tolerance to wheat streak mosaic virus.
When should I plant TAM 116?
Planting date depends on location and intended use. Grain-only wheat is generally planted later than wheat intended for fall grazing. Local conditions, soil moisture, elevation, irrigation, and expected first frost should all be considered when selecting a planting date.
Where can I buy TAM 116 wheat seed?
Contact Jack Seed & Supply for current TAM 116 availability and help determining whether TAM 116 fits your irrigated, limited-irrigation, dryland, grain, or grazing program.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.