2021 National Wheat Contest
Remember, the national wheat contest now has a raw yield category which puts NY into the ball game. We had our first field entered into the contest last year. Matt Toussaint’s official contest entry was 110.97 bushels/acre. Pretty good for New York’s first entry. It is not too late to enter. The final deadline for late registration is May 15. It costs $125 to enter and you must be a member of the National Association Wheat Growers (NAWG). The 2021 National Wheat Contest Application and contest rules are available on the NAWG’s website. I know of a least two growers who have signed up. There are some really good-looking wheat fields out there!
Wheat Growth Stages and Nitrogen Timing
Our winter wheat around the region looks fantastic! Most of our wheat is into Feekes Stage (FS) 6 (jointing) this week. FS 6 means that the plant is no longer concerned about putting on new tillers and is focused on stem elongation and grain development. This stage can be determined by checking the lower part of the main stem. If you can feel a small bump (first node) in the lower stem, than you are at FS 6. Some fields are already into FS 7 which means a second node has pushed above ground. See the picture on the right. The main stem in the middle has a second node while the two tillers still only have one node visible.
An excellent visual guide to winter wheat growth stages and development from the University of Wisconsin is available online. This is also an important time to apply your nitrogen. Whether it is the second round of your split-applied program or your first shot on a field with plenty of tillers, now is the time to get the nitrogen applied!
Herbicides and Wheat
Plants are also more susceptible to herbicide injury after FS 6. It is crucial to understand what stage your wheat is in to avoid unnecessary yield losses and off label applications.
- Osprey can be applied up until FS 6 (jointing) for roughstalk bluegrass or cheat control. Bayer has a new product, Osprey Xtra, for 2021.
- Applications of 2,4-D, Banvel, Clarity, MCPA can be risky after Feekes Stage 6 and is not recommended. Some labels allow up until Feekes Stage 9 (Boot Stage) but the risk gradually increases from FS 6 to FS 9.
- Harmony Extra must be applied before the flag leaf is visible and is the best product for chickweed control.
- Huskie has a Special Local Needs 24(c) label for marestail control in wheat up until flag leaf emergence. Make sure you look at the 24(c) label as the rate is higher than the regular label.
- Axial XL is labeled for the control of grasses in wheat and barley. Axial can be applied to wheat and barley from the 2-leaf stage to pre-boot stage. It is labeled for Foxtail (giant, green and yellow), volunteer and wild oats, annual ryegrass, barnyardgrass and canarygrass. For optimal control, it is recommended to apply when grasses have between 1 and 5 leaves on the main stem or prior to emergence of the 3rd tiller. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT LABELED FOR OATS!!!
Soil Conditions and Future Forecast
Snowfall was below normal this past winter, which has caused some abnormal dryness in some areas of the western region. Information provided by the Climate Smart Farming program and seasonal precipitation outlook suggests 50% above normal precipitation for later spring and early summer making it unlikely for this abnormal dryness to worsen to a moderate drought. Field work has begun and I’ve seen a lot of planters in the field. Oddly enough, the abnormal dryness coupled with warm temperatures and spotted rain showers have created great planting conditions. Soil temperatures are averaging 50-55°F which are your ideal temperatures for planting corn.
Forages
Believe it or not, triticale is between Feekes stage 6-8. It’s ahead of schedule! Those of you looking for quality cow feed need to be watching as some of it may be ready to go next week. Early planted triticale in warmer areas are averaging 18-24 inches at Feekes stage 8. Pure grass stands need to be on our radar as well. Our first cut monitoring program begins next week but we’ve already been out looking at stands to get a better idea of where we are at. An alfalfa height of 9 inches or less is too low to be used by the equation but with a 12-inch recording, our equation predicts alfalfa will be ready around 05/21/2021. If you haven’t done so yet, get out and look at your fields or check with your extension/consulting agent to make sure you’re harvesting at the right time!
