By Scout Nelson
Recent rains have brought much-needed soil moisture across Kansas, creating better conditions for fall wheat. While this supports seed germination and growth, the same weather has slowed planting progress, leaving some farmers behind schedule.
In central Kansas, wheat planting is only about halfway complete. Farmers have primarily planted KS Providence and AP Prolific varieties. Delays in fall harvest and the looming deadline for double-cropping behind corn or soybeans may reduce overall wheat acres this season.
K-State wheat expert Romulo Lollato notes that rainfall in some areas reached nearly five inches, providing strong moisture reserves. “Acres are fairly steady so far, but overall I think acres will be down because fall harvest has been delayed,” said Sawyer. “We’re up against the deadline for double-cropping behind corn or beans.”
“We’ve received quite a bit of rain the last two weeks, with parts of the state close to five inches,” said Lollato. “Once fields dry, that moisture sets us up for good stand establishment.” He added that statewide planting progress is about half the long-term average for this date.
Reports of fall armyworms have emerged, mostly affecting early-grazing wheat. Farmers are advised to monitor pressure, as recovery is possible if infestations drop quickly. Heavy damage may require replanting in some areas.
In northwest Kansas, wheat planting wrapped up by mid-October. AP Sunbird and KS Bill Snyder were the main varieties seeded. Recent rains made conditions ideal to finish planting.
Concerns about wheat streak mosaic virus remain, as cooler weather slows volunteer wheat control. K-State pathologist Kelsey Andersen Onofre explained that removing green volunteer wheat helps reduce curl mite survival, lowering virus risk. Free testing is available for farmers to assess risks.
Late planting in October and early November is still acceptable in southeast Kansas but considered late elsewhere, potentially reducing yields by up to 23 percent if planting is delayed from October 1 to November 1.
To support late-planted wheat, experts recommend higher seeding rates, a planting depth of 1–1.5 inches, and starter phosphorus fertilizer of 20–30 pounds per acre. Fall nitrogen for grain-only wheat should remain 20–30 pounds per acre.
As fields dry, farmers across Kansas are expected to complete planting quickly. Despite delays, this season’s moisture could support strong wheat stands heading into winter.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat