Wheat: Harvest and Review of Steps for Good Wheat Management Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Wheat: Harvest and Review of Steps for Good Wheat Management Presentation by: Chad Lee, Grain Crops Extension Specialist University of Kentucky Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Most of the information comes from: ID-125: A Comprehensive Guide to Wheat Management in Kentucky Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Objectives harvest steps for profitable wheat production Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Harvest Stage Scale Description Ripening 11.3 Kernel hard (difficult to divide with thumbnail) About 38 to 42% kernel moisture. Reaches physiological maturity at this stage. Maximum weight is reached. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Harvest Typically harvested between 13 to 15% grain moisture. Bin dryers with heat can handle 15 to 20% grain moisture. High-speed dryers can handle 21 to 24% grain moisture. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Harvest Early harvests. Facilitate earlier double-crop soybean plantings. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Steps for Good Wheat Management (18 Total) Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Steps for Good Wheat Management (18 Total) Test soil to determine fertility of field. Apply P, K, and lime according to soil test. Select several high-yielding, disease-resistant, winter-hardy varieties. Calibrate the drill. For conv. tillage, prepare a good seedbed. For no-tillage, use a contact herbicide. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Steps for Good Wheat Management (18 Total) Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Steps for Good Wheat Management (18 Total) Apply 30 lb of N/acre in fall as residual or applied. Plant from October 10 to October 30. Plant in 4 to 8 inch row spacings. Establish tramlines (optional). Seed 35 (up to 40 for no-till) seeds/ft2 of high quality seed. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Steps for Good Wheat Management (18 Total) Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Steps for Good Wheat Management (18 Total) Check stand density near mid-February. (Adequate stand is 25 plants/ ft2 or >) If stand is adequate, apply 30-40 lb of N/acre mid-to-late February. If stand is thin, apply 40-50 lb. of N mid-to-late February. Apply an additional 50-60 lb of N at Feekes 5 (mid-March). Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Steps for Good Wheat Management (18 Total) Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Steps for Good Wheat Management (18 Total) Use proper weed control measures (fall and spring). Apply fungicides as needed. Harvest at optimum grain moisture (13 to 15%) Provide and prepare adequate, safe storage space. Market wisely for optimum profits. Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

Wheat Growth and Development 7/29/2018 Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky Chad Lee, University of Kentucky