The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, Oct. 29 shows a continued deterioration in drought conditions for the state. Barton County is still entirely in moderate drought as is Pawnee. Southeast Kansas is actually in the worst shape overall. None of recent rains are included in this. The six to ten-day outlook (Nov. 5 to 9) indicates near normal temperatures and a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Nov. 7 to 13) indicates a 40 to 60% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 30 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation.
Harvest and wheat planting have proceeded rapidly this year with the dry, warm weather. According to statistics, Kansas and much of the Midwest and Great Plains are far ahead of the average pace for these tasks. However, that doesn’t mean that producers can take a break for the next several months. For those not familiar with crop and livestock production, today, let’s examine what many producers will be up to the next few months.
• For some producers, it’s time to consider crop sales. Some forward contract a percentage of their crop based upon expected yields and the best price they can expect. It can be much more complicated than that. Some will sell it within 30 days after taking it to a grain handling facility to avoid storage charges. Some will wait and look for a given price.
• If a producer is looking to graze cattle on winter annual pasture (wheat, rye, triticale), they are evaluating the growth of the grass to place cattle as soon as practical. Sometimes, they are forced to put them out before they want to as the cattle must go somewhere. Along with this is checking fences and making sure available watering sites are set. Most will be evaluating their hay/silage reserves.
• It may sound obvious, but it’s time to clean up and put away equipment – combines, drills, and for some, prepping sprayers for winter. Also, just generally cleaning up after a hectic harvest and wheat planting season.
• For wheat producers, monitoring the crop and scouting for potential pest pressure. And, just evaluating emergence, tillering, and overall stand establishment.
• For many it’s updating records and a trip to the FSA office, especially with crop losses. And it’s a good time to prepare records for tax season.
• Now is also a good time to soil test for everything except nitrogen and sulfur. Most pick approximately the same time of year in late fall/early winter. They might use strip tillage to apply some nutrients preplant.
• Finally, most will look over the 2024 crop year. What worked? What didn’t work? Hopefully, they have yield maps for each field. What changes in crop acreages may be needed? What pest pressures need addressed? What seed, fertilizer, and pesticides should be ordered to save money by preordering?
• Naturally, there’s more but you get the idea.
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.
