November Wheat

The combine just left, it's November 3rd and you are out standing in your field that the beans just came off of. The grounds not too wet but Agricorp's fall seeded wheat winterkill deadline was 3 days ago. What to do, what to do.....

Short answer: If the ground is fit, put the seed in the ground.

Long answer: There are a few things to consider -the ground, the depth and population of the seed.

If the ground is ready, it is ok to plant wheat even if it is November. If there is any smearing or the slot is not closing over the seed, put the drill away. Mudding the seed in is not going to give you a good stand in the spring.

Planting late means that it is more important to watch your seed depth. 1.25" is optimum for November seeding. Anything less than 1.25" runs the risk of the seed being popped right out of the ground by the frost. Anything more than 1.25" runs the risk of the shoot running out of nutrients and failing to emerge.

Finally, the later you plant wheat, the less time it has in the fall to tiller. Depending on variety, in September and early October you would be planting anywhere from 1.2 to 1.5 Million seed per acre. November planted wheat needs 1.8 to 2 Million seeds per acre to have a full stand in the spring.

As a note: Speak to Agricorp to see how your November wheat will qualify for production insurance with inspection in the spring.