After a slight delay with rain, wheat harvest is progressing rapidly and weather permitting will wrap up in the area soon.  Overall, yields have been good to excellent and the overall quality of the crop, test weight and protein, is good.  Protein levels could be higher for many but that lower protein is a result of higher than anticipated yields.  More nitrogen, and for some sulfur, would have increased protein levels but with the tough conditions of late winter/early spring it’s understandable producers were cautious.  It’s June 26 today and after maybe taking a deep breath and a nap, producers have decisions to make and work to be done on these newly harvested fields.  Briefly what are the decisions producers need to make if they already haven’t?

• The first decision is whether or not to double-crop and try to produce another crop this season or wait and plant a fall-seeded or spring seeded crop.  With recent rains and good soil profile moisture, double-cropping may be an attractive option depending on herbicide history.  And if long-range forecasts are correct, we should expect normal to slightly above normal temperatures and normal rainfall.  

• Double-crop options include grain sorghum, soybeans, feed crops, and some have even used corn.  The key for milo and soybeans is selecting the right maturity, planting as soon as possible, and good weed control.  Also in fields with good wheat yields, nitrogen levels are likely low and need to be accounted for as do other primary nutrients.  

• If you don’t quite believe the long-range forecast, a feed crop for grazing, haying, or silage may be a better option.  Options include Sudan grass, sorghum x Sudan grass hybrids, forage sorghum, and hybrid pearl millet.  Again, checking nitrogen levels and adequate fertilization for expected yield are important.

• Some will attempt to double-crop and still go back to wheat this fall.  Here a feed crop might be best, followed by soybeans and then milo.

• If going back to wheat this fall, soil test if it hasn’t been done for a year or two.  At the very least, look at yields and estimate how much nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur were removed.  A good to excellent wheat harvest removes significant amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.  It is too early to test for nitrogen and sulfur and hopefully weather will allow microbes to start and release nutrients form wheat residue.  And if you don’t know, a soil pH test is desirable.

• For wheat this fall it is also advisable to check on the various sources, K-State, crop consultants, co-ops, seed dealers and examine the data available on current varieties.

• Control volunteer wheat for a variety of reasons along with weeds in general.  Chemical control is preferable to conserve moisture.  Tillage is acceptable but the most aggressive tillage should be performed as early as possible.  Tillage aids not only in weed control but disease and insect control.  However if not going back to wheat this fall, no tillage for weeds is preferable.  And although not a common as it once was, a well-timed wheat stubble burn can help control pests, eliminate unwanted residue, and conserve more moisture than aggressive tillage.

Naturally, more could be said but it is important for those not involved in farming the amount of time, energy, and effort that goes into 21st Century farm operations.

Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207.