Wheat heading. Most of the corn planted. Many acres of soybeans already in the ground. Sounds like mid-May, right? Well, maybe for most years but not 2012. Western Ohio is at least two weeks ahead of schedule in terms of long-term field activities and, contrasted with 2011, three to four weeks or more further along.  

How often does west central Ohio wheat begin to head in late April? Seeing heads pop out last week caught many farmers and others off guard. With corn and soybean planting at full speed, except where light rains interrupted the process, wheat was off the radar screen for most producers. In addition, windshield surveys showed short stems in the vast majority of fields, suggesting heading was a ways off. However, closer examination of plants would have shown the flag leaf stage well before heading.   

Last fall’s late soybean harvest wheat seeding opportunities. Many late planted fields did not winter well and have been tilled up or burned off. If previously frosted low areas do not show improvement, those acres may yet be converted to other crops.

The advanced growth development of the wheat has inspired an increased interest in the possibility of double cropping soybeans. Of course, good double crop yields in 2011 and $13 plus prices can generate plenty of enthusiasm as well. 

Despite the documented rotational benefits of wheat, or having the ability to install tile, apply manure or seed soil improving cover crops, competitive land purchase and rental prices have forced many growers to drop wheat from their cropping plans. Grain farmers continue to project significantly higher income potential from corn and soybean crops. Now, with overall acreage down, the demand for wheat straw has intensified. That demand and projected increase in straw value may help some producers justify retaining small grain fields.  

Dry conditions have minimized disease risk on remaining wheat fields.  Extension plant pathologists agree that the head scab risk is minimal at this point since the environment has been especially unfavorable for spore production.

Wheat plants are most susceptible during the flowering stage of the plant, which is just around the corner this year. Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) models show that rain in the near future would rekindle the spore production process in the residue, but according to the models, it will take at least seven days for spores production to reach a critical mass. Right now there simply are not enough spores around to infect wheat. 

An extended period of warm, wet weather would generate more spore production, but the risk of FHB will likely remain low. That being said, can fungicide application be justified for FHB or other diseases? Most fungicides have a 30-day to harvest restriction, so that is the main aspect of the label that determines how late fungicides can be legally applied. 

While many acres are contracted for preventative or protective fungicide applications, value of those treatments could be questioned if conditions remain relatively dry. Ohio farmers should track discussion in the weekly CORN Newsletter for the best profit oriented recommendations. 

As mentioned above, corn planting progress has exceeded almost everyone’s expectations. Many fields can now be rowed and should be scouted for various early season diseases and insects. Stands should be assessed for both populations and plant health. 

Fields of corn I had seen that froze off earlier have responded well and are now doing well. An area seed supplier did note that replacement seed could be in short supply due to many early March planted acres being replanted in Illinois and elsewhere. The supplier mentioned that five leaf corn had been killed by frost.

Stay safe!

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.