Does a hailed out crop absolutely need a fungicide pass? Not necessarily, says Peter Johnson, RealAgriculture agronomist and host of Wheat Pete’s Word. It’s a crummy thing to have to discuss, but wicked weather earlier this week means that several fields are ragged and torn. Why isn’t a fungicide always needed? Listen below to find out.
Also in this week’s edition, Johnson covers possible yield loss from hail, control options for spider mites and why aphid populations may be so sporadic across certain counties.
But before he tackles those topics, you’ll hear this week’s good news/bad news cereals sandwich. First, the good news: barley yields are pretty impressive. Now, the bad news. Farmers are reporting deep discounts between wheat grades, and that’s making for some grumpy farmers.
Related: Finding markets for high fusarium wheat
Is there anything you can do about it? Well, if you’ve contracted for a certain grade and deliver a grade lower, the grain company can discount as they see fit, as per the contract (this is one of those “always read the fine print” reminders). But what if you don’t have a contract yet and have fusarium infested wheat? Harvest management can help (see more on that here), as can binning it, putting it on air and waiting out the glut of poorer wheat coming straight off the fields.
Some are wondering if glyphosate is the right choice for wheat still in the field if it’s got green tillers but red clover under-seeded. If you’ve been following along, you already know the answer to this but @WheatPete reminds farmers that, no, this isnt’ the right choice because a) glyphosate shouldn’t be applied if stems are still translocating (see more here) and b) do not sacrifice the red clover!
Want to listen to last week’s Word (yes, yes you do). Find it here!
We wrap this week’s Word with a few questions — from a reminder on why a cover crop plan should be part of your fall weed control program, to advice on broadcast seeding oats, and on to perennial sow thistle control timing and best products to use, Johnson’s got you covered.
And for those with some particular problems with burr cucumber in IP soybeans, Johnson explains why now isn’t really the time to control this pesky weed (unless it interferes with harvest in a few weeks), but offers some advice on planning for next year’s acres.
That’s it for this first week of August! Check back next Wednesday for the next edition of Wheat Pete’s Word. And if you’ve got a question you’d like answered, call 1-888-746-3311 and leave a message, or leave a comment below.
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