I generally look at the variety trials and variety information from the extension service here, as well as the extension service in a couple of nearby states. Then I call around to the local seed suppliers to check prices, see what's available and what's popular. That generally trims the list for me down to a handful of varieties. I read up on the varieties, and especially if it is a variety released by another state's extension service, I'll look at their variety trials and information.
I generally like the average numbers better than the yearly numbers because conditions can vary greatly from year to year, but if a variety has been a consistent producer, it is probably worth more serious consideration.
There are a lot of variables the variety trials may not account for, and I have to take that into consideration. First, the trials done around me are at a planting rate of 60 pounds per acre. In trials on planting rates, the extension service suggests a lower planting rate for good seed, and I generally plant at a lower rate. Some varieties will tiller and do well at the lower rate, others will not. Also, every wheat variety is susceptible to something. It could be some kind of disease, fungus, or insect, and the variety test may have had one or more of those problems. Untreated, a variety may suffer significant losses in yield. Had it been treated, it might have performed much better.
