The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, May 9 indicates exceptional drought in our area with really no change from last week. The storm/rains from Tuesday on aren’t reflected in this report. Some parts of Western Kansas will likely show improved conditions but being in exceptional drought aren’t out of the woods or anywhere near it. As of Thursday, when this was written our area has received rains along with hail and wind but rainfall totals are all over. The six to ten-day outlook (May 16 to 20) indicates a normal to slightly below normal temperature outlook and a normal to a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (May 18 to 24) indicates a similar temperature outlook and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation. Normal precipitation would be approximately an inch for the period. Normal temperatures will allow newly emerged crops a chance to establish a root system with available moisture.
For the past while, insurance adjusters have been out evaluating the area’s winter wheat crop. Many fields had estimated yields of five bushels per acre or less. Some fields will have enough yield to harvest but fair at best. Even irrigated wheat suffered. So, what are the options with these “abandoned” acres. Part of this depends on how a producer evaluates the precipitation for the 2023 growing. Another part is examining herbicide protocols and any possible herbicide carryover concerns. There are options so let’s briefly examine these. First, under most circumstances with as thin as the wheat stands are, try to do everything to avoid tillage. To destroy what little wheat is there and any potential weed concerns, herbicides are a better option.
• Some will try to bale what wheat is there for hay. It won’t be much for most fields and the quality will be fair at best but feed is in very short supply.
• If moisture conditions improve, grain sorghum is probably the best option. Probably an early-medium to medium maturity sorghum is the best bet as they need less water. It’s growing late for corn and dryland corn is riskier than milo. Plus, unless planting a very short season corn, the crop will be flowering and trying to fill grain during the worst part of summer. If the crop even has enough water to stand a chance to produce a viable ear.
• Soybeans are also an option if you have enough soil moisture to get them out of the ground. Their peak moisture usage is later than corn and a bit later than milo but still pretty risky.
• Probably the best option, especially if the producer is set up for it or needs feed, is producing feed. With the hay/decent pasture shortage there is a strong market even if the producer doesn’t have cattle. The advantage is you aren’t concerned about grain or beans. You should be aware of possible elevated nitrate levels and have it tested. Sudan grass, sorghum X sudan crosses and even hybrid pearl millet (it’s more drought tolerant and while production is lower than other options, it also has a much better leaf to stem ration).
• We should also add sunflowers here, however, input costs, especially insecticides are there and transporting/marketing can be a challenge.
Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
