Wheat disease losses between 2018 and 2021 cost farmers $2.9 billion across the US and Canada, study reveals

A multi-year study has revealed that between 2018 and 2021, wheat diseases caused the loss of approximately 560 million bushels—valued at US $2.9 billion, or $18.10 per acre, in farmer revenue—across 29 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada. Published in Plant Health Progress, the study was led by Andrew Friskop (Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University) in

A multi-year study has revealed that between 2018 and 2021, wheat diseases caused the loss of approximately 560 million bushels—valued at US $2.9 billion, or $18.10 per acre, in farmer revenue—across 29 U.S. states and Ontario, Canada. Published in Plant Health Progress, the study was led by Andrew Friskop (Department of Plant Pathology, North Dakota State University) in collaboration with dozens of university-based specialists and the Crop Protection Network. It represents the most comprehensive survey of wheat-related losses to date. The findings underscore the widespread economic impact of crop diseases and offer critical insights to shape future disease management and research priorities. Estimates presented in the study were based on annual surveys completed by Extension specialists and plant pathologists working directly with wheat growers across major production regions. These experts assessed yield losses tied to nearly 30 distinct diseases, offering a rare, field-level ...