Parson, Kansas —
As farmers are preparing ground for wheat planting this fall, the soaring nature of wheat futures prices have them wondering: what can we do to maximize yields and capitalize on these profitable prices?
One simple answer is to use certified seed at planting.
With certification, seed from every field is tested for noxious weeds, varietal uniformity, and germination, all of which are important factors when planting a seed crop.
Wheat fields are walked by Kansas Crop Improvement Association inspectors before harvest, to identify potential problems. After harvest, seed samples are tested for germination and purity at the KCIA laboratory in Manhattan.
"It is a proven, low-cost input that guarantees the variety and that it is pure. That's a pretty good guarantee, one that bin run seed doesn't have," explains Jim Shroyer, agronomist with K-State Research and Extension. "There are all sorts of things that can happen with bin-run seed. You may think you're being smart by saving money, but in the long run, it may cost you in added herbicide costs to take out weeds, or fungicide to combat diseases."
Research at K-State indicates that the use of certified seed can increase yields two to three bushels per acre over bin-run seed. When wheat prices are rising, that's a good investment.
Danee Helvey, Ellsworth, says high quality certified seed gets his crop off to a great start.
"Large seeds have the most vigor. Therefore, I hire a seed conditioner who uses a gravity table and length grader to make sure I get the largest, plumpest wheat seed possible," says Helvey, who won the Central Region of the 2010 Kansas Wheat Yield Contest with a 94.36 bushel per acre yield in Mitchell County.
Gary Millershaski, a KAWG director from Lakin, estimates using certified seed increased his yield about five bushels per acre in 2010.
"Not only that, but fields planted to certified seed have a more even stand, look better and cut easier," he explains. "When all is said and done, you'll spend just a few dollars more for certified seed, but it will pay off in the long run."
Steve Schuler, executive director of the Kansas Crop Improvement Association, believes the benefits of certified seed extend beyond yield.
"As farmers become more intense managers of wheat and continue to strive for greater yields, germination assurance and seed quality are important. Using certified seed ensures farmers are doing all they can to achieve optimum stands, which lead to higher yields," Schuler says. "Many farmers seek varieties containing specific disease, agronomic and quality packages. When they buy certified seed wheat with the KCIA blue label, quality is assured."
Crops
Certified seed can improve bottom line
- Crops
-
-
Unpredictable weather requires corn management
Bob Nielsen suggested that corn growers should look at a variety of management techniques to give crops the best chance at success - regardless of the weather.
-
Herbicides affected by spray water pH
A series of studies at Purdue University has shown that spray water pH and hardness can reduce the effectiveness of herbicides, making it vitally important for crop producers to test water sources.
-
Assessing winter wheat for spring nitrogen application
Wheat requires good growth in both the fall and spring to realize its yield potential. In the fall, the wheat plant needs to develop a vigorous root system and several healthy tillers.
-
Warm weather should not harm Kansas wheat crop
Jim Shroyer, Research and Extension agronomist at Kansas State University, says that despite the warm temperatures, winter wheat still has winterhardiness and can withstand colder weather.
-
Post-drought forage recovery discussed
The extreme heat and drought last summer not only took their toll on producers but also on cropland and pastureland.
-
Mild weather causes concern for wheat crop
Unusually mild and wet conditions in December and early January caused wheat to green up and created concern about whether the wheat is more susceptible to cold injury if temperatures were to drop sharply.
-
USDA decodes corn defenses for improved pest resistance
A clearer picture of corn's biochemical responses to insect and fungal attacks is emerging.
-
Farmers show optimism for 2012 Kan. wheat crop
Rain and snow events the last two weeks of December have put the 2012 Kansas wheat crop in good shape.
-
Wheat growers should address top-dress needs
Wheat producers should be making plans to accurately assess their crops’ topdress nitrogen requirements.
-
MU specialist discusses using wheat straw as an alternative winter feed
Wheat straw is not a high protein or energy source, but if supplemented properly it can be used for bred cows in five and six body condition scores.
- More Crops Headlines
-
Unpredictable weather requires corn management
