Following a record-breaking 2003 harvest averaging 61 bushels per acre in Missouri and continued strong prices, the number of acres planted to winter wheat has increased by 9 percent for 2004 to just over one million acres. Going into winter dormancy, 75 percent of the Missouri wheat crop was rated as good to excellent. As spring green-up nears, producers should scout their fields to determine stand loss, nitrogen needs and weed pressure.

Colder temperatures this year make winterkill a greater concern than in previous years. As wheat fields begin to green up in the next few weeks, stand losses will become more evident. The snow cover should have helped insulate the crop, but some winterkill is to be expected given those cold stretches. As a general rule, a wheat crop can compensate for stand losses up to 40 percent without significantly yield loss.

Growers can test wheat appearing to be dead. Just scoop the plant up with some soil around the roots, wrap it in a wet paper towel, and bring it inside. It is a little experiment that could save a lot of time and expense.

If stand losses are tolerable, producers must decide when to apply nitrogen. Wheat tiller numbers are a good indicator. Research shows if there are more than 70 tillers per square foot at green-up, nitrogen application can be delayed. All ground-applied nitrogen should be applied before jointing to avoid damaging wheat stems and causing significant yield loss.

Delaying your application can sometimes increase yield response. But if tiller number is less than 70, it is recommended to apply nitrogen at green-up to add more tillers. More tillers means more seed heads.

There is stand recovery research underway to fine tune nitrogen recommendations. Trials are set up in southeast, southwest and central Missouri to see just how the wheat crop will respond to various application rates at various stand losses.

When winter wheat follows soybean in rotation, 90 to 100 pounds of nitrogen per acre is enough generally to support stem elongation and head development. When wheat follows corn, a tissue test may be the best way to predict an optimal application because nitrogen availability is environmentally dependent.

Because of last year’s drought, corn nitrogen may not have been used and is still in the soil. Farmers need to account for residual nitrogen, or they run the risk of over-fertilizing and likely causing significant lodging problems.

In addition to wheat crop health, it also is important to assess winter annual weeds (WAW). These weeds, like henbit and chickweed, survive under the canopy, competing with the wheat for water and nutrients. WAW are not seen in the field at harvest because they have ended their entire life cycle. What is seen is their effect on yields. Research at the University of Missouri indicates winter annuals can cause up to 40 percent yield loss.

For fields receiving no fall-applied herbicide, scouting is even more critical. Should a spring application be necessary, be sure to look for double-crop planting restrictions if you plan to follow wheat with soybeans. This information can be found in the publication, "Weed control guide for Missouri Field Crops," which is available online at http://extension.missouri.edu/explorepdf/miscpubs/mp0575.pdf.

More information about winter wheat crop management in Missouri also can be found in the publication, "Management of Soft Red Winter Wheat," available online at http://extension.missouri.edu/explore/agguides/pests/ipm1022.htm, or on the MU Small Grain Production web site, http://www.psu.missouri.edu/CropSys/Wheat/. Digital download is available

The sources of information for this article are Shawn Conley MU assistant professor of agronomy specializing in small grains and alternative crops (573) 882-0618 and Jim Jarman, Agronomy Specialist (573) 642-0755.

Farmers interested in forages and livestock will hear the latest news at the Mid-Missouri Grazing Conference, Mar. 4, at the Ramada Inn in Jefferson City. Fast-paced and information-packed is a good way to describe the one-day conference, said Mark Stewart, University of Missouri Extension livestock specialist, Fulton, Mo. The conference is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. and includes breakout sessions, a trade show, and luncheon address by Jimmy Henning, forage specialist formerly at the University of Missouri and now at the University of Kentucky. Henning returns to speak on "Forage-Livestock Systems: Missouri’s Agriculture Future."

Participants can save $10 by pre-registering. Early registration is $25 for singles and $40 for couples. Mail checks payable to the Cole County SWDC to Ed Gillmore, 1911 Boggs Creek Rd., Jefferson City, MO 65101. The registration includes a lunch and conference proceedings. Details and a registration form are available on the Internet at: http://extension.missouri.edu/cmregion/ag/mmgc/registration.shtml

To qualify as a Missouri Century Farm there are guidelines: The same family must have owned the farm for 100 years or more as of Dec. 31, 2004. The family shall consist of direct descendants only. The farm must be at least 40 acres of the original land and must make a financial contribution to the overall farm income.

A $25 fee is required to cover the cost of certificates and a farm sign. Make checks payable to Missouri Century Farms. Application forms and information are available through Extension Publications, 2800 Maguire Blvd., Columbia, MO 65211, on the web site http://extension.missouri.edu/centuryfarm, at the University of Missouri Century Farm office at (573) 882-7216 or through our local extension office (573) 642-0755. Applications must be returned by July 3, 2003. The Callaway County Extension Center has printed information and applications waiting.

A conference on Turf Issues will be held in Shelbina, MO at the Shelbina Lakeside Golf Course on Thursday, February 26, 2004. The conference will begin at 9:00 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. Since the deadline for the $25 registration has past and was limited to 50, anyone wishing to attend needs to call (573) 672-3221.

The 24^th Annual Tree Farm Conference will be held at the Country Club Hotel at the Lake of the Ozarks from February 27 to 28, 2004. Registration is $45 and $80 for couples. An additional $10 is charged for walk-in registrations. For more information or to register by phone, call (573) 634-3252. Brochures and program content information is available at the Callaway County Extension Center at (573) 642-0755.

University of Missouri Extension programs are open to all people.

Return to Callaway County Extension Home Page
	Jim Jarman, jarmanj@missouri.edu Agronomy Specialist, (573) 642-0755 Site maintained by: Jen Pauley niederschultet@missouri.edu