1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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 lb of N/acre mid-to-late February.
If stand is thin, apply lb. of N mid-to-late February.
Apply an additional lb of N at Feekes 5 (mid-March).
Chad Lee © 2006 University of Kentucky
Chad Lee, University of Kentucky

10. 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

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