The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, Aug. 6 shows even more deterioration. The percentage of the state totally out of dry conditions decreased to only 7%. The amount of the state abnormally dry increased to 96%, moderate drought to 47% drought. Barton County and the area is unchanged in moderate to severe drought. The six to ten-day outlook (Aug. 13 to 17) indicates a 60 to 70% chance of likely above normal temperatures and normal to slightly above normal for precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (Aug. 15 to 21) indicates a 50 to 60% chance of likely above normal temperatures and normal for precipitation. Definitely what we don’t need for summer crops and upcoming wheat planting.

Today, let’s discuss the soon to be planted 2025 wheat crop. Stacy Campbell has been sharing the information from K-State Research & Extension regarding weed control and volunteer wheat’s importance in controlling Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. So, there isn’t a need to cover these items. Here, we’ll take a more general view of what a producer should be looking as prior to planting.

· What is the moisture outlook heading into wheat planting? As of now the long-term outlook isn’t good. We are still in moderate to severe drought in our area and have little if any subsoil moisture. Whatever acreage decided upon, how do you conserve as much moisture as possible, especially any rains. This means eliminating as mush tillage as possible and controlling weeds. And leave as much residue as possible to mediate soil temperatures and minimize soil moisture loss.

· Input costs and break even prices aren’t favorable. As of today, the wheat market is bearish. Fertilizer costs, nitrogen and phosphorus especially, are high. Exports of hard red winter wheat aren’t where they need to be. Australia’s upcoming wheat crop looks good. Russia is dumping wheat onto the market. Combine a sketchy precipitation outlook with low prices and how much should a producer invest in the 2025 wheat crop.

· If planting wheat, spend a little time and money on soil testing, especially pH and phosphorus. And it won’t hurt to take a profile nitrogen test to avoid spending unnecessary money on fall nitrogen. Especially those farming sandier soils, a profile sulfur test is a good idea.

· Unless planning on grazing, it’s a good idea to apply an insecticide and fungicide to seed. If planting saved seed, it should be cleaned and that’s a good time to apply seed treatments.

· Normally, it’s recommended to follow what used to be termed the fly-free date when planting wheat unless planning on fall grazing. This year, it might be wise to plant earlier if you have moisture to establish the plants root system. And if you are concerned about Hessian fly, select a resistant variety.

· And while many already do this, select early maturing varieties to have the best chance of producing an acceptable crop.

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.