Now that the snow is off, I had some time to evaluate wheat stands. As a whole wheat yield potential seems to be on average. This is preliminary, assuming that we do end up with 3 tillers/heads per plant. A true yield evaluation really needs to be done once we can count heads and kernals. Right now there are still alot of plants that have not tillered, mainly in fields that were planted late and are laying very wet this spring. Fortunatly there are not many fields that have holes due to ponding.
The year is shaping up to be a good one to split apply nitrogen if you currently do not. The early application of N will help with tiller developement. Winter annuals are out in large numbers. Chickweed, purple deadnettle, and pennycress are main weeds present with garlic starting to put on some new growth.
Fields of concern right now are those with 4-12 tillers per foot of row. I don't believe we need to act now, but there is some concern. An options for this situation includes and early application of N and re-evaluation of stand. We can take some credit of N if stand is eliminated and rotated to corn. Currently 150 bu corn has a financial advantage over 50-60 bu wheat, if there is no need for rotation or value put on the straw.
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