This year’s wheat and canola crop finally received some much needed moisture, within the last week. Both crops have had a rough start so far going from limited moisture and above average temperatures in the fall. The weather then transitioned into very cold temps, seeing below zero temps more than once. Most places in our area received at least 2 inches, this will help our plants grow coming into the next month.
Keep in mind we still need to make sure our crops have adequate fertilizer. A spring nitrogen application gives you a better chance for higher yields while spreading the cost out over the season; thus allowing you to make sure your crop has adequate amount of nitrogen for the crop. Applying nitrogen after the wheat plant has developed first hollow stem may not boost your yield unless your plant shows nitrogen deficiency. First hollow stem may be as early as mid-late February depending on your wheat variety, so try to plan early for that.
It’s time to start thinking about spring crops now especially on getting a chemical and fertilizer plan in place for you. We will be able to get alfalfa, corn, cotton, sorghum and soybean seed in for you. Anybody that has alfalfa stand that is going into its 2nd year, applying Velpar Alfamax Gold as a pre-emerge before the alfalfa is coming out of dormancy will help kill any weeds that have not germinated yet.
If you need any fertilizer, seed or technical information, please give one of our area agronomists a call.