The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, October 20, indicates some beneficial effects of last week鈥檚 rain. We are almost 100% unchanged from the previous report with just a tad less severe drought. Almost half of Barton County and much of the surrounding area to the south range from moderate to severe drought. The northern third of Barton County is exceptionally dry. The six to ten-day forecast (October 27 to October 31) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for temperatures and 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. The eight to fourteen-day forecast indicates (October 29 to November 4) indicates a 40 to 50% chance of leaning above normal temperatures and a continued 40 to 40% chance of leaning above normal for precipitation. Above average temperatures mean in the upper 70s to low 80s so not terrible for establishing wheat. The chance of above normal precipitation is good news but remember normal for October/November here is less than two inches. Without a hard frost in the near future, wheat, especially later planted wheat has a decent chance to establish its root system and tillers.
Today, what鈥檚 on the table for producers for fall/early winter? It鈥檚 hard to believe it will November in a week and while harvest is winding down, there is still plenty for producers to accomplish.
路 We are in the back end of the preferred planting window for wheat. However, with the outlook over the next several weeks, with soil moisture, and a relatively decent price for wheat; a producer considering wheat has a good chance of establishing a decent root and tiller system heading into winter. It might pay to bump up the seeding rate a bit, say 25%. The most important factor to consider is soil moisture. Moisture conditions south of the river aren鈥檛 as good, especially on the sandier soils. North of the river most fields range from decent soil moisture to excessive and it鈥檚 never wise to mud wheat in.
路 It鈥檚 also a good time of year to soil test, except for nitrogen and sulfur. The caveat is when you typically sample. If you are a spring sampler, don鈥檛. However, whether fall or spring testing, it鈥檚 an excellent to see where fields are regarding pH, potassium, phosphorus, and base saturation of the cation exchange complex.
路 More and more producers have adopted the practice of strip tillage to reap the benefits of no-tillage with the benefits of tilling a narrow strip for the seed row. Fall/early winter is an excellent time as it allows time for the strip to settle and mellow over winter. A producer can also place fertilizer in the strip instead of at planting. And hopefully while prices are lower in the offseason.
路 Many
producers will also be determining what to plant next spring and the
acreage. Many seed companies offer good
discounts for ordering now. Also, it can
be a good time to consider locking in chemical needs for the 2027 crop year.