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Wet Weather Hampers Wheat Mangement Practices

By Martin Nagelkirk
 
Wheat development may outpace growers’ ability to make timely applications of herbicides, nitrogen and fungicides.
 
Adverse weather has not favored timely farming operations this spring. Even applying products at the appropriate time to winter wheat has been a struggle in some areas of Michigan. At this point, growers are encouraged to assess the developmental stage of their crop and possibly alter their plans in some cases.
 
Interestingly, wheat’s rate of development is largely on par with past seasons despite cooler temperatures in recent days. This means that despite wet conditions and cold fronts, most wheat has moved beyond the tillering stages. In the Thumb, the crop has entered the jointing stages exhibiting one or two nodes (growth stages 6 and 7, respectively). In central Michigan, there are likely some fields where the tip of the flag may be visible (growth stage 8), and in the southern tier of counties growers may soon be seeing the flag leaf fully extended (growth stage 9).
 
Wet Weather Hampers Wheat Mangement Practices
At growth stage 7, the second node, along with the developing seed head, has extend above the first node. The first node is useful in anticipating the emergence of the flag leaf in that when the leaf (and sheath) emanating from the first node is labeled as “leaf 4,” the flag leaf will almost always be “leaf 1.” Once the flag leaf emerges from the whorl of leaf 2, the plant is considered to be in growth stage 8.
 
Where applications of various inputs have been delayed, growers are encouraged to assess their crops and consider management options particularly as it relates to herbicide, nitrogen fertilizer and fungicides.
 
Herbicides
 
All herbicide labels define when the product can be used to avoid crop injury or residue concerns. These restrictions are noted in the “2017 Weed Control Guide for Field Crops” and summarized in the fact sheet “Weed control in winter wheat: Timing is everything” by Michigan State University Extension weed specialist Christy Sprague. The application window is closed for a number of products already, and by the time fieldwork can commence, wheat development may be beyond the timing allowed for the use of some other popular products.
 
Nitrogen
 
Depending on the circumstance and springtime weather patterns, it’s usually preferable to have some nitrogen fertilizer applied by growth stage 6 (first node extends above ground level). In those cases where obstacles prevent any nitrogen applications, grain yields may be reduced by half; therefore, an attempt should be made to apply some of the nutrient even where the crop has reached the boot stage. Under this scenario, the nitrogen rate should be substantially reduced to reflect the crops reduced yield potential. Also, at this stage the nitrogen should be applied as a stream rather than a spray to minimize the amount of burn to the flag leaf. An additional measure to consider is diluting the liquid nitrogen with water.
 
In wheat fields where only some of the intended nitrogen has been applied, the balance of the nitrogen can still be applied at later jointing stages. In a replicated trial near Sandusky, Michigan, in 2009, a late dose of supplemental nitrogen was applied to wheat that exhibited significant nitrogen deficiency due to an extensive wet spell. Despite yields being better than anticipated in the absence of additional nitrogen (see table), there was an economic response to the use of 30 pounds of nitrogen as 28 percent UAN. Later, at the late boot stage, there was no benefit to applications of 14 or 28 pounds of nitrogen (data not shown).
 

Supplemental fertilizer N applied to winter wheat during flag leaf emergence

N rate pounds per acre

Grain harvest moisture (%)

Grain yield, 13% M, bushels per acre

Lodging2 0-5

0

20.7

97.4

1.0

301

21.5

105.5

2.4

601

22.3

107.6

3.8

1 Streamer application using TeeJet SJ3-03.

2 Relative rating from 0 to 5 with 0 denoting no lodging.
 
Fungicides
 
Growers who opt for applying an early foliar fungicide can still do so. In fact, with the slow development of leaf disease this spring, there is likely an advantage to delaying a fungicide application until the flag leaf stage. Others may elect to forego the first fungicide application and instead simply rely on the normal treatment at heading. However, this needs to be decided field by field based on the susceptibility of the variety being grown and the level of diseases found.
 

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Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.