Wheat School – Is It Too Late to Plant Wheat in Western Canada? – Dr. Ross McKenzie

If you are a farmer who planned on seeding wheat this year and you haven’t yet, it’s decision time. It’s June already, and there are a number of factors to consider when it comes to deciding whether to seed wheat or not to seed wheat. Economics are a major influence considering the spread between wheat and other short season crops like barley is so wide. That being said, you have to be able to grow a decent crop, and that means you have to consider things like growing degree days. If you’re in Southern Alberta, those days up to now are 75% of normal. If you use corn heat units, the picture is even worse being 25% of normal. That’s just Southern Alberta. Across the west, conditions are varied, and if you plan on seeding wheat, having a knowledge of growing conditions in your area is critical. High prices don’t mean much if you have nothing to sell.

Dr. Ross McKenzie is an Agronomy Research Scientist with Alberta Agriculture. I asked him about planting wheat this late in the season, and what farmers should consider if they do make that decision.

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