Wheat Pete’s Word, Sep 9: Planting Wheat into Dust, Harvest Updates and Grabbing Fleabane by the Roots

It’s been a tough growing season for producers across the country; some are still struggling with what to do with dry, dry land. And that’s how Peter Johnson, RealAgriculture’s resident agronomist and host of Wheat Pete’s Word starts of this week’s podcast, mentioning this tweet from Adam Pfeffer:

“If you can find moisture, up to three inches deep, plant three inches deep. Absolutely, you have to plant to moisture,” Johnson says. “If you can’t find moisture at three inches, plant at an inch and wait for rain. But, for goodness sakes don’t leave it in the bag.”

Wheat School: Seize the Fall! Peter Johnson’s Top Winter Wheat Planting Tips

Johnson then goes on to talk about appropriate timing to seed winter wheat throughout Ontario, where some areas are seeing rainfall now. Is it too late to do any good? That depends how much green you have in the canopy. It sure isn’t going to do AS MUCH good as it would have a few weeks ago, but if you’re plants are still actively photosynthesizing, that drink of water will be welcome.

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Edible beans and corn in the province are showing substantial injury from western bean cutworm feeding. And, while those symptoms might be recognized by most producers, corn is also showing top die-back. This could be due to a couple of reasons, one of which being dry weather. Johnson says corn plants will “canibalize” (essentially rob supplies from their extremities) and with these symptoms come worries about standability. He suggests starting push tests early this year.

Corn School: How to Scout for & When to Control Western Bean Cutworm
Corn School: The “Push Test” — Will Corn Stay Standing Until Harvest?

Johnson finishes the podcast by talking about the importance of scouting fields and removing suspected herbicide-resistant weeds, or new species that have traveled in on water runs. He also talks about hay issues, chasing soil quality and late-cut alfalfa “icing.” Plus, tramlines – what good are they and what is their ideal width?

Talking to Farmers: Does Controlled Traffic Farming Have a Future in Western Canada?

All that and more, with the spunk you’ve come to expect, from Wheat Pete! Happy Wednesday!


Have a question for Wheat Pete? Call 1-888-746-3311 or send him a tweet @wheatpete.

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