The last time Kentucky had temperatures this extreme prior to wheat harvest was in 2018 (Table 1). That year, the average yield for the state was 66 bu/A. As a result of the sudden increase in temperature, test weights were reduced and wheat dried down significantly faster than normal. In contrast, 2021 had an almost ideal grain fill period, which resulted in a record-setting state average of 87 bu/A.

Checklist from By Sam McNeill, Agricultural Engineer Extension Specialist, and Raul Villanueva, Entomology Extension Specialist

As wheat harvest approaches, now is a good time to consider drying and storage options. A good place to start is by reviewing the equilibrium moisture content chart for soft red winter wheat below, which shows the limits of drying, as well as storage, over a range of average weather conditions in Kentucky throughout the year.

Even though we have officially made it to spring in Kentucky, we are not exempt from sub-freezing temperatures. From March 26 through March 28, large portions of the state experienced temperatures that lingered around the threshold that could significantly impact wheat yields.

Fulton County grain farmer Henry Sanger is the 2022 recipient of the University of Kentucky Wheat Science Group’s Service Award. Group members give the award to honor producers and industry representatives for their valuable research collaborations and support.

The University of Kentucky Wheat Science Group has moved its annual Winter Wheat Meeting to 9 a.m.-3 p.m. CST Feb. 8 at the Bruce Convention Center in Hopkinsville.

Recent fertilizer retail price surveys still show ongoing N fertilizer price increases, especially for urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) solutions, which are important fertilizer N sources for Kentucky wheat producers.

The cool, cloudy and rainy temperatures this spring delayed wheat development across much of Kentucky. The wet weather recently has many thinking about adding a harvest aid to their fields. Although much of the wheat is likely back to a ‘normal’ development stage due to recent record-breaking high temperatures, many producers may already be considering harvest aids in wheat.

Once again, freeze damage in wheat is a topic of conversation/concern. Temperatures during the overnight hours of March 31, April 1 and April 2 dipped below freezing across much of the state. In some areas, lows were in the low 20s.

o say that we have had a cold and snowy 10 days would be an understatement! Since Feb 9 a large portion of the state has had ice, snow, more ice, and more snow, all with bitterly cold temperatures that are truly unheard of in Kentucky. Not to mention that all this happened during a La Niña winter that was predicted to be warmer than average!

The time for the first application of nitrogen (N) to winter wheat is approaching. Split N application is typically the best management approach to maximizing yield and minimizing N loss. Nitrogen application should occur around Feekes 2-3 (typically mid-February to early March) and again at Feekes 5-6 (typically mid to late March) with the N split roughly 1/3 in the first, and 2/3 in the second, applications.

Beautiful early-fall conditions are resulting in another early corn harvest this year, and Kentucky grain farmers will soon decide if and how much wheat they will plant this fall. Compared to last year, there is a significant increase in wheat prices and a slight increase in soybean prices.

Planting season is right around the corner for those in Kentucky growing winter wheat this year. Are you thinking about adjusting management practices by increasing seeding rates or adding phosphorus in anticipation of increased yields? Have you ever wondered how planting and harvest timings affect winter wheat yields?