Kansas fall wheat planting slowed by rainy weather

KANSAS (KSNT) - Although recent rains have provided a needed increase of soil moisture, it's also slowed the planting process for fall wheat across the state.

Kansas State University reports that on average, about 66% of Kansas wheat has been planted by mid-October. The last US Department of Agriculture report before the government shutdown reported that the state had 17% of its winter wheat planted by Sept. 28. But many farmers across the state are now falling behind schedule.

Derek Sawyer, chairman of the Kansas Wheat Commission in Manhattan, reports that planting in his area of McPherson County is only halfway complete.

“Acres are fairly steady so far, but overall I think acres will be down because fall harvest has been delayed,” Sawyer said. “We’re up against the deadline for double-cropping behind corn or beans.”

The increased soil moisture creates favorable growing conditions, but Kansas farmers will have to wait for fields to dry to finish their planting.

"Some producers have delayed planting due to ongoing summer crop harvest or wet conditions following recent fall rains. Planting in late October to early November remains acceptable in southeast and far south-central Kansas, but it is considered late for most other regions and beyond the cutoff for full crop insurance coverage. Although reasonable yields can still be achieved, late-planted wheat typically experiences cooler fall temperatures and has less time to tiller before winter dormancy. This limited fall growth reduces yield potential and increases the risk of winter injury.

Averaged across 1985 through 1991, delaying wheat sowing from October 1 to November 1 delayed the heading date by 6 days and decreased wheat yields by 23%. The grain-filling period was progressively shortened by about 1.7 days and occurred under hotter temperatures (about 1.5°F) for every month of delay in sowing date."

Per a K-State Agronomy Update on Oct. 16.

In addition to the wet weather, other factors like wheat streak mosaic virus and army worms have created some concerns for farmers across the state.

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