Friday, May 10, 2024

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AGRONOMY WEEKLY NEWS

Wheat

The wheat growth has slowed now that the weather has dipped cooler. This is positive for the crop though as this period will help the stalk strengthen, which is good considering we will likely miss the window to spray any growth regulator. Speaking of spray, unfortunately a lot of wheat is not going to be sprayed for weeds as herbicides are to be sprayed prior to flag leaf emergence. We are just on the cusp of that stage of the crop now, so if we get the rain tomorrow to keep us out of the field for the next few days, that window essentially shuts. Nearly all of the nitrogen has now been sprayed on fields if they are full application. Some split application fields are waiting on their 2nd application, which shows the benefits of 2 passes when dealing with weather issues- at least some of the N is on and activating the crop despite delays! Fungicide application will go on when the wheat is heading which is likely to be in 3 weeks.


Although the wheat came out of dormancy early and was started early, the cooler weather has slowed development. At this point, depending on the flowering window and weather, we are shaping up for a mid-July harvest window.


Wanstead is also trying something new this year- RYE! We look forward to seeing and sharing the results of these fields with you throughout the growing season. Currently, the rye is loving the wet, cool weather, and it is on the cusp of heading! If you have any questions on Rye, please reach out to Jason!

Preparation/Planting

The rains continue to put a kink in planting progress. Wednesday's rain left several areas of the county puddled up. Rain accumulation varied from 2 inches towards Petrolia, to less than 1/10th south of Alvinston. Overall, most of our growers received enough rain to keep them out of the field for a few days. Unfortunately, today is not the best drying day with the sun slow to come out this morning, and a northeast wind.


On sandy, dry, well tiled fields, there has been some corn and soybeans in the ground and up. Corn would be around 2-3% planted, with beans around 1%. Sugar beets are also predicted behind planting pace at just 25% completed.


Burndowns have started, but there are many more to do. Burndown programs will have to be 2-3 different types of chemical because the weeds are well ahead of schedule. The best way to have a clean crop is to start with a clean field.


Fertilizer application has been steady. There is a lot of bean fertilizer on and worked in, but corn fertilizer is slow in connection with the slow planting pace.


Seed pickups are going well with a significant percentage of our stocks already picked up or delivered. Please let us know if you would like to arrange a pickup or deliver for any outstanding seed or chemical!

Do you have any questions that you want our agronomists to answer in our next edition?


Is there anything in particular you want to see for our edition next week?


Let us know at this anonymous feedback form OR reach out to one of our agronomists!


Jason (519) 330-9746

Darrin (519) 330-9812

Natalia (519) 383-4843

Mike (519) 466-9200

Agronomy Tip of the Week

Jason's Tip of the week: "When doing a burndown, because of biannuals and perennials, we do not want to be below 15 gallons of water... 15-20 gallons is preferable. Coverage is key."

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