2013 Winter Wheat Crop: Month 1
October 12, 2012
We are a third generation wheat farm. The changes in technology have been staggering since Grandpa’s day. And yet, each year starts the same, with seeds in dirt.
Kansas Winter Wheat, Oct. 12, 2012
These winter wheat seedlings are about 16 days old. How does my farmer describe conditions? “Dry.” There was enough surface moisture for plants to sprout, but subsoil moisture is very poor.
The good news is that the seeds have sprouted. The bad news is that even though harvest won’t happen until next June, the seeds are determining yield now based on soil conditions. We need rain, soon.
Rain will also help the wheat plants establish a good stand to protect against harsh winter conditions. Snow is good, but strong winds can damage the plants. Also, this field, which was planted a little earlier than other fields, will be used as winter pasture for cattle. A plant with a good root structure can stay in place when the cattle munch.
I thought you might like to see the progression of our wheat crop, so this field and I will check in with you next month.
Kansas Winter Wheat Field, Oct. 12, 2012
From Sand Creek 
October 12, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Looking forward to watching the progress. My neighbor here in MO just got his wheat planted this week, after plowing under his soybean crop that was decimated by the drought. I love to see winter wheat growing; gives me hope for Spring during the cold winter months when everything else is brown!
October 12, 2012 at 6:08 pm
I agree, Jesse! I’m partial, but I think wheat is the prettiest crop. Good luck to your neighbor.
October 12, 2012 at 9:14 pm
I love that close-up photo Lynn. Really emphasizes the fact that it all starts with soil.
October 14, 2012 at 11:22 am
Thanks! We received a tiny bit of rain yesterday, less than a quarter of an inch, but we’ll take it.