The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, Jan. 14th is unchanged from the last several weeks. The six to ten-day outlook (Jan. 21 to 25) indicates a 50 to 70% chance of likely below normal temperatures and 33 to 50% of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Jan. 23 to 29) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for temperatures and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.
It’s hard to believe but in two weeks it will be February. Day length is increasing, temperatures will warm up and the 2025 wheat crop will break dormancy and start heading towards harvest. Now is a good time for producers to take stock of what needs doing before harvest. Here’s a brief list of what needs consideration.
• First, as things warm up and daylight increases, check fields to see if they are greening up. If some fields are and some aren’t, there is a possibility of cutworm feeding. Check with K-State Research ad Extension, local agronomist, or crop consultant to see if they are feeding in your area. An insecticide may be in order.
• Also, while inspecting wheat, check for the stand, tillering, obvious weed problems, and soil moisture. Compared to the last several years, wheat planted in a timely fashion this year overall looks good and is well-established. Factoring in the temperature and precipitation outlook for spring, a yield potential estimate needs to be made. Based on this, several decisions will be made.
• Producers seldom apply all their nitrogen in the fall for several reasons. The recommendation is approximately one-third in the fall and the rest in late winter early spring. With the weather the past few months, the fall nitrogen application should be good. Then, based on the yield estimate, determine the additional nitrogen requirement. Dry or liquid nitrogen sources work equally well. Many will use liquid as they combine their herbicide program and avoid an additional pass. It’s preferable to use liquid before the wheat is actively growing as it can result in leaf burn depending on the rate.
• Based upon weeds present and the field history, herbicides are in order. Application rate and timing are based on the growth stage of the wheat, weeds present and their growth stage. Weed control is especially important on thinner, less tillered stands. One consideration for soil applied residual herbicides is potential crop rotation restrictions.
• Many producers graze cattle on wheat and want to harvest a grain crop. They must pay attention and pull cattle off the field before jointing (first hollow stem). That is when the growing point emerges from the soil and damage can result. A rule of thumb is by March 15th, however, that varies based on growing conditions.
• There’s more, but one last item. Pay attention to updates regarding insects and diseases in your area. Wheat is in better shape than the last several years but a lot can happen between now and mid-June.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
