Wheat conditions

Oklahoma panhandle –

Wheat remains in better than average condition.  One exception to this statement is the double crop irrigated wheat after corn.  In most cases, this rotation looks pitiful.  The majoirity of these fields are lacking in nitrogen and have poor plant stands.  The dry land, continues to get enough rain to keep it going.  Leaf rust is starting at very low levels.  Based on conditions today, Barley Yellow Dwarf Disease will have a greater impact than leaf rust.  The weather has been right for rust development, but it just hasn’t materialized at this point.  Much of the wheat is starting to pollinate and that would put projected harvest dates at June 14th.  Russian Wheat Aphids are still active in places but starting to crash due to predation.

Southwest Kansas-

Wheat continues in above average condition.  Like the panhandle, timely rains continue to occur.  Minor levels of Leaf Rust in the lower crop canopy are evident in many fields now. Most of the wheat is in the boot to heading stage.   The potential for damage from this Leaf Rust is a concern.  The earlier in the growth stage of the wheat crop that Rust strikes, the greater the damage.  I would speculate that Leaf Rust will end up being more of a factor in Kansas than it will in Oklahoma.  Over the past week, Barley Yellow Dwarf Disease has started to show up in many fields.  It also will be a yield limiting factor for the 2009 Kansas Wheat Crop.   In spite of these potential negatives, we are on track for a decent crop.

Row Crop Conditions-

Southwest Kansas and Oklahoma Panhandle

We still are behind normal planting dates for this area.  I would say that my customers have 70% of their corn planted.  Although we are well into May now, yield expectations have not been reduced, but if we go much past the 15th of May, I think we can expect the final outcome to be affected.  

At the current time, there are no significant pest problems in the corn.   

Leave a Reply