Agricultural News
WestBred Wheat Professional John Fenderson Offers Wheat Planting Best Management Practices
Tue, 21 Sep 2021 17:08:41 CDT
'Tis the season for winter wheat planting. According to the latest USDA Crop Progress Report, 15% of Oklahoma's 2022 winter wheat crop is already in the ground. Those early birds most likely have planted wheat that will double as winter pasture for cattle and then be harvested. Folks planning on raising wheat only for harvest are likely finalizing their planting playbook.
For the estimated 85% waiting to plant winter wheat, Radio Oklahoma's own Ron Hays talked with John Fenderson, technical product manager for WestBred, who has a bushel of advice for you.
"There are several things we need to consider before we put the seed in the ground," Fenderson said.
He said first, producers should know what varieties they are planting, what field they are planting in and the reasoning behind both answers. If producers cannot answer these two questions, Fenderson said they should reach out to their seed suppliers and get their soil tested.
"It is a little bit late, but it is not too late (to) get your soils tested," Fenderson said. "We need to know what is in the ground if we expect to raise a top-notch crop."
Guessing is not enough Fenderson said, especially with how high prices of Nitrogen and Phosphorus are right now.
He also urged producers to get their seeding equipment properly prepped and calibrated for what variety and where they plan on planting - especially if going from treated seed to naked see or vice versa.
"We are trying to extract the most yield out of those genetics that we can," Fenderson said. "If I can spend $5 more on seed (with) a higher seeding rate and yet get a return on investment of three or four to one by getting four or five bushels more per acre, that is money well spent."
For producers waiting till the later part of September through October to plant winter wheat, Fenderson suggests the flowing WestBred wheat varieties: WB4699, WB4269, WB4401 and WB4303.
"We have really tried to push genetic yield gain and allow top producers to manage that yield," Fenderson said. "The genetic potential is in that seed and (producers) have to manage the fertility, the pest control and putting that seed in the ground in the best way possible."
Another tip Fenderson has for producers is to watch the weather and wait for rain.
"Waiting for moisture can ensure we get more uniform seed placement, more uniform stand establishment and get that crop off to a better start," Fenderson said.
Hit the LISTEN BAR below to hear much more from John Fenderson as he talks more about winter wheat planting, including more on each WestBred wheat variety mentioned above, pests and disease.
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