Wheat School: 4 Areas of Focus to Make Bigger Yields a Reality

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The numbers for the 2013 Ontario winter wheat crop are in. This year growers averaged 80.6 bu/ac of winter wheat. Not too shabby, however, according to Peter Johnson, Cereal Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, what may be coming down the pipe for the 2014 crop is even better. How much better? The trend line data shows the potential for 83.8 bu/ac in 2014. That would be the second highest yield Ontario has ever seen.

Yes, it’s just a prediction, and, as Johnson notes, there are a number of things producers must do in order to make that number a reality. Here’s a quick rundown of action items for growers:

1. Use Starter fertilizer – Johnson says “Do Something!” “The more phosphorus I put on, the more response I get.”

2. Push nitrogen – You need to push nitrogen to push yields

3. Use a fungicide – At least one fungicide is a must if you’re pushing nitrogen. Fungicide has a synergistic effect when combined with nitrogen. You need to protect the canopy you’re developing.

4. Timing – Depending on your spring conditions, WHEN you provide that nitrogen makes a big difference.

In the video below Peter Johnson outlines the above four points in greater detail (and greater passion) and lets producers know how they can continue to push yields onward and upward.

If you cannot see the embedded video, click here.

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