Approximately 75% of the crosses made are single crosses involving only elite adapted parents. The remaining  crosses involve one parent that may be considered "exotic", but possesses desirable genes. In this case, three-way crosses are used where the exotic parent's genetic contribution is one-third and the other two parents are elite adapted lines or cultivars. All crossing blocks and F₁ generation materials are grown in the greenhouse in Fargo, N.D. Individual plants are selected for agronomic traits, glume color (associated with gluten strength), and disease resistance from space-planted F₂ populations grown in the field at Fargo and Langdon, N.D. These selected plants are further tested for advance and possible variety release.  From the initial cross to variety release (10 to 12 years) the experimental lines are extensively evaluated for their agronomic, disease resistance, milling, and end-use quality traits. 

Using a combine as stationary thrasher