The drought monitor report as of Tuesday June 23 shows improvement with up to 46% know out of dry conditions. The northern half of Barton County is out of drought and the southern half improved to only moderate drought. The six to ten day forecast (June 29 to July 3) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of likely above normal temperatures and 33 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day forecast indicates (July 1 to 7) indicates a 50 to 60% chance of likely above normal for temperatures and a 43 to 50% chance of leaning below normal for precipitation. A bit too hot for our summer crops, especially with much of our corn heading into flowering and kernel development.
Wheat harvest is winding down and would have been finished without the recent, and very beneficial, rains. The vast majority of summer crops are in the ground and most of the corn crop in the region is at or heading toward tasseling and silking. South of Wichita towards the Oklahoma border, most corn has tasseled, silked, and is developing kernels. Even most irrigating have caught a break with the rain. There is still a great deal to do heading into fall. Today, what are some of the tasks to consider before fall harvest.
路 Whether wheat is going to be planted back in the field or not, weed control in harvested fields is a priority. Whatever crop is planted next, the number one priority is volunteer wheat control to eliminate the green bridge for the wheat curl mite to transmit SBMV (Soil Borne Mosaic Virus). This is problematic every year in parts of the state and this year with thin wheat stands, low test weights in areas, and storm damage, volunteer wheat could be more of a problem than usual. The plus side is that with the recent rains, producers should be able to destroy much of it earlier than usual. Often the kernels sit most of the summer and germinate in late August or early September. A severe infection can devastate wheat yields.
路 Keeping 2026 harvested wheat field weeds under control in many places will be challenging with thin stands and minimal residue. Also, with production costs and the drought, some producers skipped late winter/early spring weed control. Chemical control is preferable to conserve soil moisture. If using tillage, perform the deepest tillage first and minimize the depth with successive operations. Even if waiting till next spring to plant, eliminating as much possible weed seed as possible saves money in the long run.
路 While it鈥檚 almost July, some may be considering double cropping after wheat with the recent moisture but are delayed by wet conditions. Some already have planted. Options are becoming limited, especially for soybeans. An early maturing grain sorghum, very early, as an option. If it fits, a feed crop such as sudan grass or a sorghum x sudan grass hybrid are a good option.