Know Your Wheat, Volume 4 by Kansas Wheat

present

know your

WHEAT Volume 4

Check out Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New in 2012! 1

Know Your Wheat 2012-13 Sponsors and Contributors:

About the Cover: Tammy Draper captured this iconic image of a small town wheat elevator for the annual Kansas Wheat Commission State Fair photo contest. Other State Fair photos may be found throughout the booklet; the contest is open to all Kansans. Check the Kansas Wheat Web site, www.kansaswheat.org, for information on how to enter the State Fair Photo Contest.

Introduction We are pleased to offer the fourth volume of “Know Your Wheat,” a publication designed to help wheat farmers improve management practices and make informed decisions about profitable wheat production. In this year’s guidebook, note the added information about growing practices of this past year’s Kansas Wheat Yield Contest winners, new variety and disease information, plus updates on other topics from previous editions. You will also find a section devoted to the Kansas Wheat Innovation Center and the newly established Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation. We invite you to use this pocket-sized booklet as a reference throughout the growing season, and consider entering this year’s Wheat Yield Contest, sponsored by the KWC and KAWG. Farmers entering the contest will have a chance at winning $1,000 in cash. In the last few pages of this booklet, you will find more information about the Wheat Yield Contest. The Kansas Wheat Commission and Kansas Association of Wheat Growers are proud to be your partners in wheat production. Sincerely,

Rich Randall David Schemm Chairman President Kansas Wheat Commission Kansas Assn. of Wheat Growers 1

About Kansas Wheat Kansas Wheat is the cooperative agreement between the Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, joining together as â&#x20AC;&#x153;leaders in the adoption of profitable innovations for wheat.â&#x20AC;? The Kansas Wheat Commission is a grower-funded, grower-governed advocacy organization working to secure the future of Kansas wheat in the global market through international trade, research, export system studies and continually improved varieties of wheat. Its mission is to increase wheat producer productivity and profitability through research, education and domestic and international market development. The KWC is funded by a voluntary, 1.5 cent assessment on each bushel of wheat produced in Kansas. The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers is a membergoverned organization representing wheat growers in planning legislation, advising government and international agencies on matters affecting wheat and providing grass-roots leadership to the U.S. wheat industry. Dues to KAWG are $100 per year. Contact Kansas Wheat at 217 Southwind Place, Manhattan, KS 66503, or call (866) 75-WHEAT. Check out our Web site at: www.kansaswheat.org, or e-mail kswheat@kswheat.com.

Know Your Wheat 2012 - 13 Contents

Chapter Subject Page No. ......................Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New in 2012......................................... 4 1 .....................The KWC Research Foundation................. .......6 2 .....................Varieties for 2012............................................14 3 .....................Variety Complementation...............................21 4 .....................Variety Trait Grids......................................... 24 5 .....................Seed Quality and Seed Testing...................... 27 6 .....................Volunteer Wheat Control............................... 28 9 .....................Seeding Rates and Stand Evaluation..............31 9......................Effects of Acid Soils on Wheat...................... 35 10..................... Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms...................... 36 11.....................Wheat Disease Symptoms.............................. 43 12.....................Wheat Fungicide Use..................................... 53 13.....................Nutrient Removal Rates..................................55 14.....................Milling and Baking Quality........................... 56 15.....................Market Classes of Wheat............................... 58 16.....................Wheat is Not Wheat....................................... 50 17.....................Field Notes.......................................................61 18..................... About KAWG................................................. 65 19.....................About the KWC.............................................. 66 20..................... The Kansas Wheat Yield Contest.................. 67 Content prepared by Steve Watson, publisher of The Wheat Farmer and Row Crop Farmer and Wheat Varieties for Kansas and the Great Plains; and Bill Spiegel, director of communications, Kansas Wheat. ÂŠ2012 Kansas Wheat. No reprinting allowed without written consent. Special thanks to Erick DeWolf, Jim Shroyer, Dave Mengel, and Rebecca Miller at Kansas State University; Brian Ganske/John Deere; CIMMYT; Kansas Grain and Inspection Service and Kansas Crop Improvement Association.

What’s New in 2012 New Research for Wheat

The continued development of new wheat varieties and technology solutions for Kansas wheat producers is the goal of the newly developed Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation, an initiative spearheaded by the Kansas Wheat Commission and funded by Kansas wheat farmers. Are you interested in being a part of this effort? Learn more on page 6-7.

Yield Contest Winners

Tom Austin, Minneapolis, scored a 104.32 bushel per acre yield in the 2011 Kansas Wheat Yield Contest, to achieve the state’s top wheat yield in the Central Region. Chuck Downey, St. Francis and Jim Kesler, Sabetha, won the West and East Regions with 66 and 64 bushel per acre yields, respectively. Learn more about these producers’ management practices on page 10. Interested in the 2013 Kansas Wheat Yield Contest? More information is on page 64. 44

Check out these special additions throughout the rest of the Know Your Wheat book: New Varieties

Kansas wheat farmers have access to seven new varieties in 2012, including offerings from land-grant universities, WestBred, AgriPro and LimaGrain. These varieties will be readily available from seed dealers and associates for planting this fall. For more, see pages 15.

Seeding Success for the Future

Learn how to properly calibrate your grain drill to ensure accurate planting for next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wheat crop. Brian Ganske, seed placement specialist with John Deere, offers tips to ensure seeding success on page 29.

Combat Foliar Diseases

Wheat farmers continue to battle yield-robbing diseases, and crop protection companies are working on solutions for these challenges. Learn how to diagnose disease threats and the products that can treat them on page 44.

The KWC Research Foundation: Farmers Investing in their Future To further the mission of the Kansas Wheat Commission and the newly-built Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, we urge you to consider making a tax-deductible donation of cash or grain to the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation. All donations are used to further the mission of Kansas State University’s wheat breeding program, ensuring that Kansas farmers have access to the best possible wheat varieties and that scientists can leverage human, financial and laboratory resources to make significant improvements to wheat genetics. The Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation was established in 2011 as the official research fundraising organization for the Kansas Wheat Commission. It is a separate, independent entity chartered by the state of Kansas as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research corporation. Here are some FAQ’s about the Kansas Wheat Commission Research Foundation: How does the KWCRF differ from the Kansas Wheat Commission’s wheat checkoff? The checkoff does fund wheat research, but is also used for marketing, promotion and education. Donations to the Kansas Wheat Research Foundation will be used only for wheat research, and only at Kansas State University. Why should I donate to the KWCRF? Wheat research funding from public funds is declining, and in order for wheat to remain competitive with other crops, the industry needs farmer leadership. 6

How will my donation be recognized? Depending upon the size of your gift, a number of donor recognition opportunities exist. All will be permanently displayed in the new Kansas Wheat Innovation Center, so that you, your children and grandchildren will see that your gift played a major role in shaping the bright future of Kansas wheat production.

Ways to Give Cash, check, credit card: If you want to make an outright gift of cash, you have several options. Gift of wheat: You may donate a portion of your wheat harvest to the Foundation. Planned gifts: Gifts including bequests, charitable gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, IRA gifts and gifts of life insurance are beneficial to the Foundation. Gifts of real estate: The Foundation encourages donors to consider making gifts of real property for the benefit of the university. The Foundation allows individuals and industry members to contribute tax-deductible gifts to fund research. To learn more about how you can donate, please find a secure, online donation form at www.kansaswheatresearch.org, or contact: Aaron W. Harries Director of Marketing 1-866-75WHEAT aharries@kswheat.com

Meet the Yield Champions The Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and BASF were proud to sponsor the Kansas Wheat Yield Contest, which concluded following the 2011 harvest. Three Kansas wheat producers each earned $1,000 cash prizes by growing the top yields in each of three divisions: west, central and eastern Kansas. “Farmers were challenged in 2011 with drought and excessive heat. Yet the farmers who participated in the 2011 Kansas Wheat Yield Contest perservered, pushed the envelope and maximized yields,” says Justin Gilpin, chief executive officer of Kansas Wheat. Kansas Wheat and BASF were co-title sponsors of the second annual contest. Additional sponsors include: Louis Dreyfus, SFP, Kansas Wheat Alliance and Syngenta Seed/ AgriPro.

Central Kansas Tom Austin, Minneapolis 104.82 bushels per acre Tom Austin always though that farmers could grow 80100 bushel per acre wheat in north central Kansas. He is just surprised that it happened this year. “We had good moisture through March, but then it got really dry,” says Austin, whose field of Armour yielded 104.82 bushels per acre. “I was shocked. I thought that we’d be in the 70s. I had no idea it was going to yield that much.” Austin attributes his success this year to timely fertilizer applications that included micronutrients. 8

He started the crop off with certified Armour seed, dropping about 1.25 million seeds per acre and adding about 30 pounds of phosphate via 11-52-0 fertilizer with the drill. He applied 75 pounds of dry fertilizer in the spring, followed by a liquid topdress solution that included 0.9 ounces Tom Austin of Olympus herbicide to control grassy weeds; 30 pounds of nitrogen, plus 32 ounces of zinc; 16 ounces of copper; 2 ounces of molybdenum and five pounds of magnesium sulfate. Austin says yield potential can be maximized by adding micronutrients such as zinc, copper and sulfur. However, it takes time and discipline to determine whether the added products will pay off. Soil tests are conducted frequently; Austin also has added tissue test samples to his fertilizer management regimen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A few weeks after wheat greens up in the spring, I take about 50 plants, put them in a paper bag and send them to a laboratory,â&#x20AC;? said Austin, who applied the recommended nutrients on the growing crop. Variety: Armour, WestBred Certified Seed Source: Delphos Co-op Certified Crop Adviser: Matt Hagny 9

Western Kansas Chuck Downey, St. Francis 61.76 bushels per acre Chuck Downey said the Kansas Wheat Yield Contest provided just the right incentive to try and maximize wheat production on the DouthitDowney Land and Cattle in Cheyenne County, which he operates with his fatherin-law, Walter Douthit and his wife, Megan. This year, Downey “threw the kitchen sink Chuck Downey at the wheat crop,” using a host of micronutrients and macronutrients to take care of his wheat crop. Downey says starting the crop properly with highquality, treated seed is critical. He planted about 1.05 million seeds of WestBred’s Winterhawk per acre, treating the seed with Dividend and an Amway product called Nutriplant, prior to planting. He added 40 pounds of 11-52-0 at planting. His contest plot, which totaled 13.9 acres, looked promising coming out of winter dormancy. Thus, he added 65 pounds of nitrogen and 15 pounds of sulfur in April, and followed that at jointing in May with copper, zinc, coron and chloride, plus the fungicide Tilt and the herbicide, Barrage. 10

At the flagleaf stage, he added another 9 ounces of Twinline fungicide, plus the micronutrients Headset and Megafol, and 32 ounces of Coron. There is no substitute for crop scouting; Downey walks his wheat fields weekly from the time they break dormancy until harvest. Next year, he plants to implement more no-till into his wheat acres in order to save as much moisture as possible.

Wheat Variety: Winterhawk, WestBred Certified Seed Source: Sharp Brothers Seed Certified Crop Adviser: Servi-Tech, Bryce Vance, Scott City

Correna McClure entered this photo that captures the beauty of a Kansas wheat crop into the 2011 Kansas Wheat Commission State Fair Photo Contest.

Eastern Kansas James Kesler, Sabetha 61.34 bushels per acre Sabetha farmer James Kesler says growing highyielding wheat requires careful attention to detail. The crop begins with top-quality seed. Kesler bought certified Art seed from the Ag Partners Co-op treating it with Land O’Lakes Incentive and Gaucho, from Bayer CropScience.

James Kesler

He applied phosphorous and potassium in the fall, counting on residual nitrogen from alfalfa to balance out the fall fertility program. At topdress, he applied 0.4 ounces of Affinity herbicide, plus 4.0 ounces of Headline fungicide. At flagleaf, zinc, manganese, boron and magnesium were added to the crop. A 5.5 ounce application of Twinline fungicide was added at the flagleaf stage. “We thought fungicide applications would keep the plant healthier and help us push yields,” Kesler says. “We had some of the best wheat in the area. It looked good all year.” Wheat Variety: Art, AgriPro Certified Seed Source: Ag Partners Co-op, Hiawatha Certified Crop Adviser: Dan Brubeck 12

Larry Brownlee earned Fourth Place in the KWCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Fair Photo Contest with this image of harvest at sunset.

Chapter 2

Varieties for 2012

Variety Maturity Area of adaptation Hard Red Winter AP503 CL2 (AgriPro)

Armour (WestBred)

Art (AgriPro)

Medium

Early

Northwest and north central Kansas, dryland or irrigated Statewide, dryland or irrigated

Medium Early

Best in central and eastern Kansas; good in northwest Kansas; dryland or irrigated

Medium

Western Kansas, best on dryland

Medium Early

Southern Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Bond CL (CWRF)

Medium

Western Kansas, best on dryland

Centerfield (OGI, CL)

Medium

South central, southeast Kansas

Bill Brown (CWRF) Billings (OGI)

Varieties for 2012 Variety Maturity Area of adaptation CJ (AgriPro)

Early

Central, Eastern Kansas

Dumas (AgriPro)

Medium Western Kansas, irrigated

Duster (OGI)

Medium

Southern Kansas, best on dryland

Endurance (OSU)

Medium

Southern Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Everest (KWA)

Early

Central and eastern Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Fuller (KWA)

Early

Statewide, dryland or irrigated

Garrison (OGI) *

Greer (AgriPro) Hatcher (CWRF)

Medium late

Central Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Early

Southwest, south central Kansas

Medium Western Kansas, dryland 15

Varieties for 2012

Variety Maturity Area of adaptation Hitch (WestBred)

Medium

Entire state, dryland or irrigated

Infinity CL (NuPride)

Late

Northwest Kansas, dryland

Jackpot (AgriPro)

Early

Southern Kansas

Jagalene (AgriPro)

Medium

Western Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Overland (Husker Genetics) Late

Northwest Kansas, dryland

Overley (KWA)

Early

Central, eastern Kansas; dryland or irrigated

Medium

Northeast, central, western Kansas; dryland or irrigated

PostRock (AgriPro)

Protection (AGSECO, CL) Early

Entire state, western Kansas; dryland

Ripper (CWRF)

Western Kansas, dryland

Medium Early 16

Varieties for 2012

Variety Maturity Area of adaptation Ruby Lee (OGI) *

Medium

Southwest, south central Kansas; dryland or irrigated

Medium Early

Central and eastern Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Settler CL (NuPride) * Medium Late

Northwest Kansas, dryland

Shocker (WestBred)

Early

Southern Kansas, drland or irrigated

SY Gold (AgriPro)

Medium

Western, Central Kansas, irrigated

SY Wolf (AgriPro) *

Medium

Northern Kansas; dryland or irrigated

T81 (Limagrain)

Medium Early

Western Kansas, dryland or irrigated

T136 (Limagrain)

Early

Southern and western Kansas; dryland or irrigated

Santa Fe (WestBred)

Varieties for 2012

Variety Maturity Area of adaptation T154 (Limagrain) *

Early

Entire state, dryland or irrigated

T158 (Limagrain)

Medium Early

Entire state, dryland or irrigated

T163 (Limagrain)

Medium Early

Western and central Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Medium

Western Kansas, dryland or irrigated

TAM 112 (Watley Seed)

Early

Western Kansas, dryland

TAM 113 (AGSECO) *

Medium

Western Kansas, dryland or irrigated

TAM 203 (AgriPro)

Medium

Southern Kansas, dryland or irrigated

TAM 111 (AgriPro)

Varieties for 2012 Variety Maturity Area of adaptation TAM 304 (Scott Seed)

Medium

Entire state, dryland or irrigated

WB- Cedar (WestBred) *

Early

Entire state, dryland or irrigated

WB-Stout (WestBred)

Early

Entire state, dryland

Winterhawk (WestBred)

Medium

Western Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Erinn Engle captured the image of a youngster enjoying wheat harvest.

Varieties for 2012

Variety Maturity Area of adaptation Hard White Winter Aspen (WestBred)

Early

Western Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Danby (KWA)

Medium Late

Western Kansas, dryland

NuGrain (AgriPro)

Medium Late

West central and northwest Kansas, dryland or irrigated

Platte-2 (AgriPro)

Medium Late

West central and northwest Kansas, irrigated

RonL (KWA)

Medium Late

Western Kansas, dryland

Tiger (KWA)

Medium Western Kansas

* = New Varieties for 2012 CWRF: Colorado Wheat Research Foundation KWA: Kansas Wheat Alliance OGI: Oklahoma Genetics, Inc. OSU: Oklahoma State University UNL: University of Nebraska-Lincoln 20

Chapter 3

Variety Complementation It is always a good idea to plant at least three varieties on your farm, with different maturities, disease and insect resistance characteristics, and genetics. You can achieve variety complementation either by planting different varieties on different fields, or by blending two or more varieties together and planting that blend on most or all of your fields. Maturity Maturity often plays a big role in the performance of a variety because of environmental conditions. The only problem is that you never know before the season starts what the weather will bring. Early maturing varieties can often mature before late-season heat or leaf diseases become a problem, but they tend to be the varieties most susceptible to a late spring freeze. Some early maturing varieties may also shatter if they are ready to harvest before harvesting equipment is available. Later maturing varieties usually suffer less damage when thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a late spring freeze, but may be at a vulnerable stage when leaf rust attacks. Later varieties also are more likely to be caught by hot weather before they have finished filling the grain, resulting in some shriveled grain. When making blends, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best not to use varieties with too much difference in maturity (such as an early and a late variety) since the earlier maturing variety could shatter before the later maturing variety is ready for harvest. Did You Know? Twenty percent of all the calories consumed in the world come from wheat.

Disease and insect resistance You want to have as much disease and insect resistance in your varieties as possible. This is especially true for soil borne mosaic resistance in central and eastern Kansas. But no variety has perfect resistance to all diseases and insects. Therefore, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to try to select a combination of three or more varieties such that at least one of the varieties has some resistance to the most common leaf diseases: leaf rust, stripe rust, tan spot, speckled leaf blotch, and powdery mildew. You can also use foliar fungicides to control these diseases, but having some resistance in your varieties will help. In central and western Kansas, it would also be good to have at least one or more varieties that has at least intermediate resistance to wheat streak mosaic. It is more difficult to find varieties currently on the market with resistance to Hessian fly, although 2137, Duster, and Millennium are available. The variety Everest has the most resistance to Fusarium head scab. Genetics No two varieties have the exact same genetics, of course, but many varieties have a common parentage on one side. In other words, two or more varieties may have one parent in common. This is not necessarily a problem, since the other parent will be different, but it can lead to certain common weaknesses. Some of the most commonly related families of varieties currently on the market are those whose parentage is closely related to Jagger, Arapahoe, TAM 107-Amigo, or Yuma. The following chart lists those varieties available for 2012-13 in those genetic families. 22

Genetic Families

Jagger related varieties

Yuma Related Varieties

AP 503CL2 Art Danby (white) Everest Fuller Jagalene NuHills (white) Overley PostRock Protection Santa Fe Shocker T136 WB-Stout

Bill Brown Bond CL Hatcher Arapahoe related varieties Infinity CL Millennium Overland Settler CL TAM 107-Amigo related varieties: Ripper T81 T136 T154 T158 TAM 110 TAM 112 TAM 113

Chapter 4

Variety Trait Grids The grids on the following pages allow you to note some important traits of the varieties you intend to plant in 2012. You can get comprehensive information on all variety traits, strengths and weaknesses, areas of adaptation, full pedigrees and more from the latest Wheat Varieties for Kansas and the Great Plains book. You can get a copy of this book by joining the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers. Disease ratings are also available from K-State at: www.oznet.ksu.edu/library/crpsl2/MF991.pdf Variety 1:_______________________________ Circle one Genetic family: Jagger TAM 107-Amigo

Arapahoe Yuma

Maturity: Early Med. Early Medium

Other

Med. Late

Late

Leaf rust:

Stripe rust:

Tan spot:

Septoria leaf blotch:

Powdery mildew:

Wheat streak mosaic: R

Hessian fly:

Did You Know? Through the wheat checkoff, Kansas wheat farmers contribute about $1 million each year to various wheat research projects.

Variety 2:_______________________________ Circle one Genetic family: Jagger TAM 107-Amigo

Arapahoe Yuma

Maturity: Early Med. Early Medium

Other

Med. Late

Late

Leaf rust:

Stripe rust:

Tan spot:

Septoria leaf blotch:

Powdery mildew:

Wheat streak mosaic: R

Hessian fly:

Variety 3:_______________________________ Circle one Genetic family: Jagger TAM 107-Amigo

Arapahoe Yuma

Maturity: Early Med. Early Medium

Other

Med. Late

Late

Leaf rust:

Stripe rust:

Tan spot:

Septoria leaf blotch:

Powdery mildew:

Wheat streak mosaic: R

Hessian fly:

Variety 4:_______________________________ Circle one Genetic family: Jagger TAM 107-Amigo

Arapahoe Yuma

Maturity: Early Med. Early Medium

Other

Med. Late

Late

Leaf rust:

Stripe rust:

Tan spot:

Septoria leaf blotch:

Powdery mildew:

Wheat streak mosaic: R

Hessian fly:

Variety 5:_______________________________ Circle one Genetic family: Jagger TAM 107-Amigo

Arapahoe Yuma

Maturity: Early Med. Early Medium

Other

Med. Late

Late

Leaf rust:

Stripe rust:

Tan spot:

Septoria leaf blotch:

Powdery mildew:

Wheat streak mosaic: R

Hessian fly:

Chapter 5

Seed Quality and Seed Testing

Planting high-quality seed is a key ingredient to harvesting a profitable crop. For Kansas farmers, there is no better option for highquality seed than certified seed, readily identified by the blue Kansas Crop Improvement Association seed tag. According to Steve Schuler, executive director of the KCIA, certified seed has been checked throughout the growing season, and is tested after harvest by registered seed technologists who test for purity and germination quality. Untested, bin-run seed does not give the same assurance of weed-free seed, nor is there assurance of an acceptable germination level.

Saved seed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even if it descends from certified seed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is not the same consistently high quality as its parent. Saved seed is often contaminated with unknown varieties due to volunteer wheat and cross-contamination. This can jeopardize the disease package, maturity date and yield potential. Farmers can contact the KCIA to have a sample of seed tested. A complete test, which includes purity, germination and noxious weed analysis, costs $26 ($24 for KCIA members). Contact the KCIA at 785-532-6118, or e-mail: kscrop@kansas.net. The KCIA Web site is www.kscrop.org. Did You Know? One 60-pound bushel of wheat contains about one million seeds on average.

Chapter 6

Volunteer Control Volunteer wheat creates many problems for planted wheat: • Wheat streak mosaic and associated viruses. Volunteer wheat is often infested with wheat curl mite, which serves as a vector for wheat streak mosaic and High Plains Virus. After planted wheat has emerged, the wheat curl mite populations can move onto the planted wheat. • Hessian fly. Hessian fly pupae (or flaxseed) live through the summer on the stubble and crown of the previous season’s crop. The pupae emerge as adults in summer and fall, looking for wheat on which to lay eggs. Hessian fly adults lay eggs on nearby volunteer wheat, thus maintaining their populations in that area and possibly infesting nearby planted wheat with the next generation. • Barley yellow dwarf. Greenbugs and bird cherry oat aphids can infest volunteer wheat during the summer, and move onto planted wheat in the fall. These insects serve as a vector for barley yellow dwarf virus, and spread the disease to nearby fields. • Russian wheat aphid. This aphid can infest volunteer wheat during the summer and move onto planted wheat in the fall. Thus, all volunteer wheat should be killed within a mile of wheat fields at least two weeks before planting. 28

Chapter 7

Grain Drill Calibration Calibrating seeding equipment is one of the most important steps a producer can take to ensure a good stand, says Brian Ganske, solutions specialist at Deere and Company. There are several ways to calibrate seeding equipment based on the specific tool. For air seeding tools, the best resource for calibration is the Operator’s Manual. Each tool will have a specific procedure for making sure the correct amount of seed is planted per acre. For box drills, this “tried-and-true” method still works: 1. Set the drill to the seeding rate desired. 2. Put seed in the box. 3. Jack up the drive wheel. 4. Turn the wheel 20 revolutions, catching the seed from 1 opener of the drill in a bag. 5. Weigh the collected seed, in pounds. 6. Determine the circumference of the drive wheel in feet with a tape measure. 7. Determine the Strip Length with the following formula: Strip Length =

1.1(number of revolutions X wheel circumference (ft) ) Note: The 1.1 is to compensate for wheel slippage in the field.

8. Determine Current Seeding Rate with the following formula: Seeding Rate (lbs/acre) =

43560 ftÂ˛/ac X lbs seed collected Drill width (ft) X Strip Length (ft)

Enter the numbers you collected into the equation. If both sides of the equation are equal, the drill is calibrated. If the numbers on either side are not equal, the drill needs adjustment and the process repeated until the drill is calibrated. Using these steps, you will be assured that the correct amount of seed will be planted.

Did You Know? Kansas ranks No. 1 among the states in wheat produced, wheat stored, wheat milled into flour and in the production of wheat gluten and wheat startch.

Chapter 8

Seeding Rates and Stand Evaluation The basic seeding rate recommendations for wheat in Kansas are: Seeding Rate Recommendations for Kansas Recommended seeding rate Region (lbs/acre) Eastern Kansas 75-90 (30” or more of rain per year) Central Kansas 60-75 (20-30” of rain per year) Western Kansas 50-60 (less than 20” of rain per year) Irrigated 90-120 Source: Jim Shroyer, K-State Research and Extension

However, there are several conditions under which producers may need to adjust these basic seeding rate recommendations, says Jim Shroyer, K-State Research and Extension. Conditions Calling for Seeding Rate Adjustments: • Early planting for grazing. When planting wheat early for grazing, it is best to use a seeding rate of 90-120 lbs/acre. • Planting later than the recommended dates. When wheat is planted later than the recommended dates, it typically produces fewer productive fall tillers and a less developed secondary root 31

system in the fall. This often results in lower grain yields unless the producer compensates by using a higher seeding rate. By November 1, seeding rates should be increased by 50 percent (to a maximum of 120 lbs/acre). By mid- to lateNovember, seeding rates should be 90 lbs/ acre in western Kansas and 120 lbs/acre in central and eastern Kansas. â&#x20AC;˘ No-till planting into heavy residue. In general, when planting no-till, producers should increase their seeding rate by about 15 lbs/acre. This is especially true during the first few years of no-tilling, until the producer becomes more familiar with any adjustments needed on the drill to get good seed-soil contact and uniform seeding depth under no-till conditions. â&#x20AC;˘ Planting immediately after grain sorghum. Wheat planted directly after grain sorghum does not tiller as well as wheat planted under other conditions. If wheat is planted directly behind grain sorghum, producers in western Kansas should use a seeding rate of 75-90 lbs/acre. In central and eastern Kansas, producers should use a seeding rate of 75-90 lbs/acre. In central and eastern Kansas, producers should use a seeding rate of 90120 lbs/acre. â&#x20AC;˘ Varieties with unusually large or small seed. The basic seeding rate recommendation applies to most varieties and results in roughly the same number of seeds per acre regardless of the variety. Some varieties, such as Overley, have unusually large seed. In these cases, seeding rates should be increased by about 10-20 percent to compensate. The higher end of that range of increase should be used for varieties that do not tiller well, such as Overley. Likewise, some varieties, such as Bond CL, have unusually small seed. Seeding rates of those varieties can be decreased by about 10-20 percent. Seed size can be 32

measured in terms of the number of seeds per pound. The “normal” range is about 14-16,000 seeds per pound. • Planting under adverse seedbed conditions. This is not recommended, but may be necessary at times for any number of reasons. If soils are too wet, too dry, or too cold, producers should increase seeding rates by 10-20 percent or more, up to a maximum of 90 lbs/acre in western Kansas and 120 lbs/acre in central and eastern Kansas. • Planting poor quality seed. This is not recommended, of course. But if good quality seed cannot be found for various reasons, producers may have to use lesser quality seed. In this situation, the seed shoudl always be tested for germination first. If the germination rate is less than 85 percent, seeding rates should be increased accordingly to compensate. Even if germination is acceptable, if the seed has a test weight below 56 lbs/bushel or has seed-borne diseases and is not treated with a fungicide, then producers should increase their seeding rate by about 30 lbs/acre. What if more than one of these factors applies? Should producers add up all the suggested increases in seeding rates? No. If that were the case, the recommended seeding rate might be as high as 200 lbs/acre. The maximum rate producers should use, under any conditions is about 120 lbs/acre, Shroyer says. Replanting Generally, if the average number of plants is about 50 percent or more of expected, the recommendation is to keep the stand. With less than 40 percent of expected, the recommendation is to replant the field, according to Shroyer. With a stand that is between 40 and 50 percent of expected, the decision is more difficult. 33

There are two major concerns to consider other than yield potential in deciding whether to replant: the susceptibility of the ground to wind erosion and the potential for weed and grass infestations. Where stands are less than 40 percent of expected, these become major concerns, even if yield potential is not a concern. In fact, research in Colorado indicates that 260,000 to 320,000 plants per acre (or about six to seven plants per foot of row) can produce within 90 to 95 percent of expected yields â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially if the plants are able to tiller well. If the soil is blowing or weeds and grass infestations become severe, the stand should probably have been replanted and thickened. Another complicating factor is the pattern of emergence. Stands may not be uniformly thick or thin; there may be areas of both. In this case, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no hard-and-fast rule about reseeding. If most of the field has a good stand with just a few large thin or bare areas, producers can go in and thicken up just the thin areas. However, if the entire field is a patchwork of thin and adequate stands, the best approach may be to re-seed the entire field. Seeding Rates When Replanting Original stand (% of expected) 30-40% 10-30% 0-10%

Central and Eastern Seeding rate 40-60 60-80 100-120

Western (lbs/acre) 30-40 50-70 75-90

Source: Jim Shroyer, K-State Research and Extension Did You Know? Kansas produces enough wheat each year to bake 36 billion loaves of bread and enough to feed everyone in the world - more than six billion people - for about 2 weeks. An acre of Kansas wheat produces enough bread to feed nearly 9,000 people for one day.

Chapter 9

Effect of Acid Soils on Wheat

Wheat yields in Kansas may be limited by low soil pH levels. In actuality, it is the high level of available aluminum on lowpH soils that causes damage to wheat, but pH level often is a good indicator of aluminum toxicity and is easier to measure. The most common symptoms of aluminum toxicity in wheat include stunting and poor tillering. Root growth will also be stunted and brownish in color, and the root tips may have a burned appearance. A soil test will be necessary to accurately diagnose low pH aluminum toxicity. Older leaves may appear drought stressed and withered. Plants may be stunted throughout the season, or may even die. Aluminum toxicity begins to occur with soil pH levels of less than 5.0, and KCl-extractable free aluminum levels greater than 25 ppm. To improve yields on soils with low pH and high aluminum levels, apply the recommended rate of lime, or apply phosphorus fertilizer with the seed or in a deep band at planting. Or, use varieties tolerant to acid soil.

Wheat with poor tillering and spindly growth on a soil with a pH of 4.8. Photo by Jim Shroyer, K-State Research and Extension.

Chapter 10

Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms

When wheat is off-color or has poor vigor, it is possible that the wheat is suffering from a nutrient deficiency, say Dave Mengel, K-State soil fertility specialist and Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, K-State nutrient management specialist. Nitrogen deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in wheat. Other deficiencies found in Kansas wheat include phosphorus, chloride, sulfur, and iron.

Symptoms of various nutrient deficiencies are illustrated in this chapter, but diagnosing nutrient deficiencies by looking at symptoms alone is often difficult. A soil test or plant analysis is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. What to Look for in Field Diagnosis Nutrient deficiencies can sometimes be confused with other problems, such as drought, saturated soils, freeze or cold temperature injury, diseases, herbicide injury, and varietal differences. Mild nutrient deficiencies can be especially difficult to diagnose since symptoms may not be obvious. It becomes even more challenging when the wheat is suffering from more than one problem at a time, which is not unusual. When diagnosing off-color or stunted areas of the field: â&#x20AC;˘ Soil test for soil nutrient deficiencies and pH. â&#x20AC;˘ Determine whether the symptoms are associated with unusually dry or wet areas of the soil, or if there is a pattern that corresponds to fertilizer application. â&#x20AC;˘ Scout for insects or diseases in areas that are off-color. 36

Do off-color symptoms appear on oldest or youngest leaves? If plants are yellowish or pale, this could be a sign of nutrient deficiency. The pattern of yellowing on the plant can give you a clue as to the cause. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are mobile â&#x20AC;&#x201D; they move readily within the plant. As a result, deficiencies of these nutrients appear first on older leaves, lower on the plants. Sulfur, chloride, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, and molybdenum are less mobile. These nutrients do not move as readily within the plant, and deficiencies are often seen first on the newest, upper leaves on the plant. If the entire plant is off-color to the same extent, either there is a severe nutrient deficiency or some other factor (such as freeze damage or drought) is responsible. Nitrogen Deficiency Severe nitrogen deficiency will show up as a yellowing of lower leaves, while emerging leaves are green to pale green. Tillering will be reduced. But nitrogen deficiency isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always severe, and less severe cases of nitrogen deficiency may not be easy to diagnose. Lower leaves may be pale in color and they may die earlier than normal. There may be increased tiller die back. If the nitrogen deficiency is only slight to moderate, the main symptoms may simply be smaller-thannormal heads on primary tillers, or heads on secondary and tertiary tillers that do not fill. Did You Know? Wheat is Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most consumed grain and is grown on 64 million acres throughout the country.

Severe nitrogen deficiency symptoms. Photo courtesy of CIMMYT.

Nitrogen deficiency in southwest Kansas. Photo by Drew Tucker, courtesy of Dave Mengel, K-State Research and Extension.

Phosphorus Deficiency Phosphorus deficiency in wheat is hard to diagnose in the field. A soil test or plant analysis is normally needed to verify the diagnosis. The most common symptom of moderate to severe phosphorus deficiency is stunted growth or thin stands because of excessive tiller die back by heading time. Wheat that is phosphorus deficient will grow more slowly than normal. Although lower leaves and stems are sometimes purplish due to phosphorus deficiency, leaf discoloration from phosphorus deficiency is often not pronounced in wheat, and may not be seen at all. If phosphorus deficiency is only slight to moderate, the only symptoms may be lower yields due to small heads.

Thin leaves and poor tillering typical of phosphorus deficiency. Photo by Dale Leikam, formerly K-State Research and Extension.

Sulfur Deficiency Sulfur deficiency can occur on sandy soils with low organic matter, and results in a general yellowing and stunting. Sulfur deficiency usually develops in eroded areas of the field first. Symptoms are similar to nitrogen deficiency. Symptoms typically occur first on younger leaves.

Yellowing from sulfur deficiency. Photo courtesy of CIMMYT.

Iron Chlorosis Iron chlorosis is not common on wheat in Kansas, but does occur on certain high-pH, calcareous soils in western Kansas. Newly emerging leaves will have green veins, with yellow striping between the veins. Eventually, the entire leaf may turn yellow or white.

Yellowing from iron chlorosis. Photo courtesy of CIMMYT.

Chloride Deficiency The main chloride deficiency symptom is leaf spotting, also known as Physiological Leaf Spot Syndrome. This appears similar to tan spot disease but is not caused by a microorganism. Also, the spots caused by chloride deficiency are typically smaller than those of tan spot, and do not have the characteristic “halo” at the edge of the spot. When soil chloride is less than 30 lbs/acre (0-24” depth) there is a high probability of yield response to chloride fertilization. Wheat response to chloride fertilizer is most often observed where there is no history of potassium chloride use and fungal disease pressure is high. Response to chloride fertilizer is often associated with foliar fungal disease suppression.

At left, leaf spotting typical of severe chloride deficiency. Photo by Ray Lamond, formerly K-State Research and Extension.

Other Deficiencies Copper: This deficiency is most commonly associated with high organic soils. Symptoms in small grains develop on the youngest leaves and generally appear on younger plants instead of more mature ones. Leaves appear light green and become dry at the tips; in addition to leaf tips dying, severe copper deficiencies lead to leaves that become shriveled, twisted, broken and eventually, the plant dies. Roots of affected plants are stunted and excessively branched. Copper deficiency in mature small grain plants can cause bleached heads, poor fill, and occasional partial head emergence. Copper deficiency has not been documented on wheat in Kansas. Potassium: Mild potassium deficiency is difficult to diagnose. Usually, growth of the whole plant is affected prior to any noticeable symptoms, with all leaves having an unthrifty and spindly appearance, similar to drought stress. Under severe potassium deficiency, which is unlikely in Kansas, there can be mottling in the oldest leaves, with an arrow of green tissue in the middle of the leaves. Complete death of old leaves is common and plants in the field may appear to have dried prematurely due to drought stress. Zinc: With zinc deficiency, the middle area of leaves on the lower or middle parts of the plant will appear drought-stressed, with dead areas that gradually extend to the margins. Severe zinc deficiency in the field can result in stunted chlorotic plants with many collapsed leaves. Whole fields may be affected but usually there are chlorotic patches within the crop. Zinc deficiency has not been documented on wheat in Kansas. 42

Chapter 11

Wheat Disease Symptoms

Kansas wheat is subject to more than 30 different diseases. Diseases affect both the yield and quality of the wheat crop. Before knowing how to control these diseases, or at least keep losses to a minimum, it is important to correctly identify the problem. The photos on the following pages show the classic symptoms of some of the most common wheat diseases in Kansas. These photos should help in identifying disease symptoms. The descriptions of the diseases are adapted from Wheat Production Handbook, K-State publication C-529. Most fungal leaf diseases can be controlled with properly applied foliar fungicides. These diseases include leaf rust, stripe rust, septoria leaf blotch, tan spot, and powdery mildew. Wheat fusarium head scab can also be controlled to some extent with some of the newer foliar fungicides. Viral diseases, however, cannot be controlled with fungicides. These diseases include soilborne mosaic virus, spindle streak mosaic virus, wheat streak mosaic virus, High Plains mosaic virus, triticum mosaic virus, and barley yellow dwarf. The best control measures for these diseases include a combination of variety resistance, later planting dates, and volunteer wheat control. What to look for in field diagnosis Wheat diseases can sometimes be confused with other problems, such as nutrient deficiencies, freeze or cold temperature injury, herbicide injury, and varietal differences. It becomes even more challenging when the wheat is suffering 43

from more than one problem at a time, which is not unusual. When disease pressure is heavy, there may be more than one disease occurring on the leaves, making identification difficult. When diagnosing wheat for possible disease problems: â&#x20AC;˘ Make a note of the specific symptoms, when the symptoms first occurred, whether there is any pattern of the problem in the field, any previous crop residue present, recent weather conditions, herbicide

Leaf Rust Symptoms: Bright orange pustules on the leaves. Conditions favoring disease: Mild winter. Wet spring. Warm temperatures. Frequency of occurrence: Important most years, especially in eastern and central Kansas. Control: Resistant varieties. Foliar fungicides.

applications, presence of volunteer wheat nearby, the date of planting, and the variety on which the symptoms are occurring. â&#x20AC;˘ Learn all you can about which wheat diseases are active in the area. â&#x20AC;˘ Call your local county Extension agent, crop consultant, agronomist, or Certified Crop Adviser and get an outside opinion on the problem.

Stripe Rust Symptoms: Yellowish orange pustules arranged in stripes on leaves. Conditions favoring disease: Cool, wet spring. Frequency of occurrence: Moderate to severe some years. Control: Resistant varieties. Foliar fungicides.

Septoria leaf blotch Symptoms: Brownish to yellowish irregular shaped leaf blotches, usually with tiny dark black fungal bodies appearing as speckles in the leaf blotches. Conditions favoring disease: Wet spring. Frequency of occurrence: May cause serious losses in some years, especially in central and eastern Kansas. Control: Resistant varieties. Foliar fungicides.

Tan spot Symptoms: Brown spots, often with yellow halo and darker center. Symptoms occur in late March or early April. Conditions favoring disease: Wheat residue on soil surface. Wet spring. Frequency of occurrence: Important in continuous minimum till wheat, especially in central and eastern Kansas. Control: Resistant varieties. Foliar fungicides. Crop rotation. Destruction of wheat residue.

Powdery Mildew Symptoms: Cottony white fungus on the leaves, stems, and possibly heads. Conditions favoring disease: Cool temperatures, high humidity. High N levels. Frequency of occurrence: Susceptible varieties may suffer losses. Control: Resistant varieties. Foliar fungicides. Avoid excessive N levels. Photo by Jim Shroyer, K-State Research and Extension.

Fusarium Head Scab Symptoms: Complete or partial white heads. Kernels are shriveled; chalky white or pinkish white. Conditions favoring disease: Rain and high humidity during flowering. Corn stalks on soil surface. Frequency of occurrence: Can cause severe losses in eastern and north central Kansas. Control: Avoid planting into corn residue. Properly timed foliar fungicides. 47

Soilborne Mosaic Symptoms: Yellow areas in low parts of field in early spring, then fading away. Leaves with mosaic of green spots on yellow background. Stunting. Conditions favoring disease: Wet soils during emergence. Cool spring. Frequency of occurrence: Eastern, central Kansas. Pivots in western Kansas. Control: Resistant varieties. Avoid sprinkler irrigation during emergence if using a susceptible variety.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Symptoms: Yellow areas in field appear in spring; usually on field edges next to volunteer wheat. Leaves with mosaic of yellow streaks, stripes, or mottling; stunting; prostrate tillers. Conditions favoring disease: Hail at harvest causing volunteer. Early planting. Planting near volunteer. Warm fall. Frequency of occurrence: Can cause severe losses in western and central Kansas. Control: Volunteer control. Delayed planting. Avoid very susceptible varieties.

Loose Smut Symptoms: Chaff and grain replaced by masses of black powdery spores. Conditions favoring disease: Seedborne on interior of seed. Seed infection favored by rain at flowering time. Frequency of occurrence: Occasionally a problem on untreated seed. Control: Resistant varieties. Seed treatments. Certified seed.

All wheat disease symptom photos courtesy of Erick DeWolf, K-State Research and Extension, unless otherwise noted.

Photo by Doug Shoup, K-State Research and Extension area agronomist.

Barley Yellow Dwarf Symptoms: Stunted plants with yellow or purple leaf tips; often occurs in patches throughout the field. Conditions favoring disease: Carried by several species of aphids, including the greenbug and bird cherry oat aphid. Control: Eliminate volunteer wheat at least two weeks prior to planting; avoid early planting; use a seed treatment and/or use a variety that expresses tolerance to BYD. (No variety offers resistance.) 50

High Plains Virus Symptoms: Variable, including gren and yellow stripes at leaf tips; or yellow spots, or green islands on a light green background, similar to soilborne mosaic although not as common (see wheat streak mosaic virus photo for visual identification). Conditions favoring disease: Carried by wheat curl mites, which thrives in volunteer wheat. Control: Not as prevalent as WSMV. Eliminate volunteer wheat at least two weeks prior to planting. Avoid early planting. Triticum Mosaic Virus Symptoms: Light-green or yellow streaking, spotting or mottling. Nearly identical to wheat streak mosaic virus symptoms (see wheat streak mosaic virus photo for visual identification). Conditions favoring disease: Volunteer wheat is a favorable host for the virus. Frequency of occurrence: Full distribution is not known yet, but western half of Kansas is more prone to Tri MV. Plants infected with both Tri MV and wheat streak mosaic virus could die prematurely and produce little or no grain. Control: Eliminate volunteer wheat at least two weeks prior to planting. Some varieties may be moderately resistant.

More than a business, wheat farming is a tradition that spans many generations of Kansans. Joyce Conard entered this image into the KWCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s State Fair Photo Contest.

Chapter 12

Wheat Fungicide Use Fungicide application can help boost yields when diseases such as rust and scab threaten to affect the wheat crop. Before farmers make a decision to spray fungicide, an assessment must be made to determine whether fungal diseases pose a significant threat to the varieties planted on a given farm. Stripe and leaf rust, two of the major threats to wheat in Kansas, typically blow in from Oklahoma and Texas. If wheat in those two states suffer from fungal diseases, chances are good that Kansas wheat also could suffer. Also, farmers must understand whether the wheat varieties they have planted are resistant to those diseases. A good source of disease and insect resistance is the publication, “Wheat Variety Disease and Insect Ratings,” publication MF-991 from K-State Cooperative Extension. Your Extension office has a copy, or log onto www.plantpath.ksu.edu. Also see the latest Wheat Varieties for Plains and the Great Plains book, available to all KAWG members. The rust complexes – leaf and stripe rust, in particular – pose the greatest threat to the Kansas wheat crop, although head scab has been an increasing problem in recent years in Eastern Kansas. There are two basic categories of foliar fungicides: • Strobilurins prevent diseases only and must be applied before symptoms appear. They have somewhat longer residual activity than triazoles. 53

• Triazoles are a better choice when diseases are already present. They can stop a disease from reproducing and have limited kickback curative ability. • Combination products contain both triazole and strobilurin modes of action. Most fungicide applications should be made between full flag leaf extension and full head emergence. For head scab suppression, apply the appropriate fungicide to the head between the start of flowering and 50% flowering. The chart below lists the pre-harvest interval for several popular name-brand fungicides. Pre-Harvest Intervals for Popular Fungicides Trade Name

Class

Harvest Restriction

Tilt (Syngenta) Folicur (Bayer) Caramba (BASF) Prosaro (Bayer)

Triazole Triazole Triazole 2XTriazole

Feekes 10.5 30 days 30 days 30 days

Headline (BASF) Quadris (Syngenta)

Strobilurin Strobilurin

Feekes 10.5 45 days

Quilt (Syngenta) Strobilurin+Triazole Stratego (Bayer) Strobilurin+Triazole Twin Line (BASF) Strobilurin+Triazole

Feekes 10.5 35 days Feekes 10.5 and 30 days

Source: Erick De Wolf, K-State Research and Extension, “Foliar Fungicide Efficacy Ratings for Wheat Disease Management 2010”

Chapter 13

Nutrient Removal Rates The optimum rate of nitrogen fertilizer for wheat will depend on several factors. Each given soil will have a different capability to generate plant available nitrogen on its own, through the process of nitrification. There may also be carryover nitrogen remaining in the soil from previous fertilizer or manure applications, or from the production of a legume crop. Nitrogen rates will also depend on the method of application and the amount of crop residue present, planting date, soil type, yield goal and other factors. It is impossible to make generalizations about how much phosphorus or potassium fertilizer - or other nutrients - should be applied to wheat. The only way to know is to take a soil test. A member benefit of KAWG is a free soil test from Servitech. This chart is a good reference for nutrient removal in a harvested wheat crop.

Nutrient

Nutrient Removal by Wheat Grain Rate of removal Pounds per acre by grain removed by a (lbs/bushel) 50-bushel wheat crop

Nitrogen 1.25 75.0 Phosphate (P2O5) 0.48 24.0 Potash (K 2O) 0.28 14.0 Sulfur 0.08 0.4 Calcium 0.01 0.05 Magnesium 0.16 0.8 Source: Wheat Production Handbook, K-State publication C-529

Chapter 14

Milling and Baking Quality

Grain yield potential, disease resistance, and many other factors are important when selecting varieties to plant. Equally important is the milling and baking quality of varieties. There are significant differences among varieties in milling and baking quality. Millers of hard wheat desire wheat kernels that are large, uniform in size, and have a hard texture with good milling properties, according to Rebecca Miller, director of K-Stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wheat Quality Lab. Commercial bread bakers desire wheat flours with high protein content, white color, high water absorbing properties, and good gluten (dough) strength. When selecting between varieties with similar agronomic characteristics and grain yield potential, a variety with better end-use quality ranking will improve the overall quality and marketability of Kansas wheat. Milling and Baking Quality of Varieties Most Desirable: Acceptable: Less Desirable: Ike Everest Armour PostRock Jagalene Hitch Art RonL (W) Jagger TAM 110 Aspen Santa Fe Karl 92 Cedar SettlerCL Overley CJ Shocker Cutter Smoky Hill Danby (W) T81 Endurance T154 Fuller TAM 111 Infinity CL TAM 112 OK Bullet Winterhawk 56

Why Wheat Quality Matters Wheat grown in the United States has the most consistent and reliable quality and quantity in the world. Providing a quality product to domestic and foreign customers is critical. The following are a few of the quality components customers emphasize: Protein: Protein content is a key specification for wheat and flour purchasers since it is related to many processing properties, such as water absorption and gluten strength. Protein content can also be related to finished product attributes, such as texture and appearance. Low protein content is desired for crisp or tender products, such as snacks or cakes. High protein content is desired for products with chewy texture, such as pan bread and hearth bread. Test Weight: Test weight is a measure of the density of the sample and may be an indicator of milling yield and the general condition of the sample. Problems that occur during the growing season or at harvest often reduce the test weight. Dockage: Dockage is the percentage by weight of any material easily removed from a wheat sample using the Carter Dockage Tester. Dockage, because it can be easily removed, should not affect milling quality but may have other economic effects for buyers. Shrunken and Broken: Shrunken and broken kernels are kernels which either were insufficiently filled during growing and have a shrunken or shriveled appearance, or have been broken in handling. Such kernels may reduce milling yield. 57

Chapter 15

Market Classes of Wheat There are six classes of wheat grown in the United States. In Kansas, the primary wheat classes include Hard Red Winter and Hard White. It is important to keep classes of wheat separate, as different classes are used in different end-products. Classes of Wheat Class Main Purpose Hard Red Winter Pan breads, Asian noodles, hard rolls Hard White Asian noodles, whole wheat flour Durum Pasta, couscous Hard Red Spring Hearth breads, hamburger buns Soft Red Winter Flat breads, cakes, pastries Soft White Pastries, cakes, Asian noodles

If a load of Hard Red Wheat contains too much Hard White Wheat, for example, a farmer faces harsh dockage at the elevator. According to the Kansas Grain Inspection Service, that scenario would be classified as “Wheat of Other Class.” If a load of Hard White Wheat contains too much Hard Red Wheat, it is considered “Contrasting Class.” Amount of Other Class of Wheat Allowed Per Grade Grain Grade Contrasting Class Wheat of Other Class No. 1: 1% 3% No. 2: 2% 5% No. 3: 3% 10% No. 4 10% 10% No. 5 10% 10%

Dew drops on ripening heads of wheat were captured by Kelly Nachtigal, McPherson, one of the entrants in the 2011 Kansas Wheat Photo Contest.

Chapter 16

Wheat is Not Wheat... As the world’s most widely consumed bread wheat, Hard Red Winter wheat contains unique quality characteristics that make it perfect for pan breads and is the world’s most consumed wheat class. Wheat millers prefer wheat that meets specific quality characteristics. Millers like to know the wheat variety being milled, as it lets them know what the milling and baking qualities are. When wheat varieties are co-mingled and traded in the marketplace, flour milling companies strive to buy wheat with 12 protein or better, less than 12.5% moisture, and very low amounts of kernel damage.  Kansas farmers should work with local elevators to maximize profit based on these unique quality characteristics. Knowing the variety and protein content of the crop could net a protein to farmers, and improve basis levels in the domestic and international marketplace. Some grain elevators test individual truckloads for protein; if yours is one of them, ask if there are protein premiums available. Producers can influence wheat quality with good management practices in the field, during harvest and throughout the storage cycle. Good herbicide and fertilizer programs ensure that a wheat variety of known superior genetic quality attributes can reach its potential.  Communicating with grain buyers is important and farmers are encouraged to identify where the best market for wheat is located and which location and/or delivery point will pay them for delivering wheat containing these quality attributes. 60

Chapter 17

Field Notes Use the charts below and on the next few pages to help you keep track of important wheat field information this year. Field Name Legal Description Date Planted Variety Fertilizer Applied Notes

Did You Know? A 30-foot tall statue of Johnny Kaw stands in Manhattan, KS representing the importance of the Kansas wheat farmer.

Field Name Legal Description Date Planted Variety Fertilizer Applied Notes

Chapter 18

About KAWG

The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers is your voice in Topeka and Washington D.C. For just 27 cents per day, KAWG works on your behalf to improve your bottom line and safeguard the wheat industry. As wheat producers, we band together to foster a profitable environment through innovation. We protect your profitability by educating Congress on behalf of the Direct Payment and the necessity of crop insurance. Increasingly, our audience is outside of the halls of Congress and the Statehouse as we advocate to Americans about wheat production from the Heartland of our country. Your time is limited – that’s why we’re here. Your support of KAWG, and your wheat industry, is important. It can come in many forms…financial resources, time, commenting via telephone, e-mail or online, or even pledging service. We want you to be comfortable with your investments and the return they bring you, your family, community and businesses. Wheat farming is more than a living – it’s a way of life. Are these investments worth $100? We think they are. Join us in advocating for wheat farmers just like you. For more information, e-mail us at: kawg@kswheat.com; call 866-75-WHEAT or log onto www.kansaswheat.org. Did You Know? Hillsboro farmer Paul Penner, serves on the National Association of Wheat Growers Board of Directors, as second vicepresident.

Chapter 19

About the KWC

The Kansas Wheat Commission is funded by a one-and-ahalf penny per bushel wheat assessment, or check-off, collected at the first point of sale. The Commission is led by nine farmervolunteers charged with investing the money in three key areas: Research A majority of the check-off is invested in research to improve wheat varieties, such as Jagger, Everest and Danby. A recent study pegged the cost of running the wheat-breeding program at Kansas State University at $4.8 million. Yet, it returns $89 million to Kansas. Domestic Markets The wheat check-off provides information and education about domestic wheat foods consumption, through its membership in the Wheat Foods Council. The KWC also takes a proactive approach to current issues. Right now, wheat producers are falling behind competing crops in terms of biotech investments. The KWC strongly supports biotech research and is leading the way in making this possible. International Markets More than half the wheat grown annually in Kansas is consumed by international customers. A portion of the checkoff is invested with groups like U.S. Wheat Associates to open markets in countries around the world. Did You Know? Nigeria is the No. 1 destination for U.S. Hard Red Winter wheat, Last year, the African country imported 3.8 million metric tons, or more than 120 million bushels.

Chapter 20

The Kansas Wheat Yield Contest

The Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and Kansas Wheat Commission are proud to host the second annual Wheat Yield Contest, which begins this fall and concludes with the 2013 wheat harvest. The Yield Contest will be used to identify the best wheat management practices in the state. Farmers achieving the top yield entry in each of three geographic areas will receive a $1,000 cash prize and plaque. The rules and contest information listed below is a summary; you must obtain and complete the official Contest documents from the Kansas Wheat office to be eligible for the contest. Awards will be presented following the 2013 harvest. Rules Wheat farmers aged 18 years and older, from throughout the state are eligible to participate. The fee is $50 per entry. Producers may enter more than once, but each entry must be submitted on a separate entry form. Kansas Wheat directors, employees and spouses are prohibited from entering the contest.

Numerous other sponsors are contributing cash, products and services to Wheat Yield Contest participants; a complete list of these is available on the Web site, www.kansaswheat.org. Contest Regions Region 1 is the western three crop reporting districts in Kansas, as determined by Kansas Agriculture Statistics. Region 2 includes the three central crop reporting districts; Region 3 is the eastern third crop reporting districts. A map of the regions is located on the next page. 67

Kansas Wheat Yield Contest Regions include: Western Kansas (Region 1); Central Kansas (Region 2) and Eastern Kansas (Region 3). One winner from each region will win a plaque and $1,000 cash.

Field Qualifications A complete field of 5 or more continuous acres, planted in the wheat seed variety named on the entry form, will be designated as the contest field. The contest field must be designated on an aerial map. The aerial map must be included with the Harvest Report. Management Report All participants will be required to fully complete a Management Form. This form contains information about fields, agronomic practices and crop protection products used and timing thereof. Yield Verification A supervisor will verify the harvest of each entry in the contest. A supervisor must be present during the harvest, weighing, moisture testing and report to the Kansas Wheat office. Farmers participating in the contest must notify the Kansas Wheat office when harvest will take place; Kansas Wheat will secure a supervisor to verify the harvest of the contest entry. Judging of these entries will take place at the Kansas Wheat office in Manhattan during the month of July, 2013. All entrants will be checked for accuracy. Judgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decisions are final. More Information To secure a spot in the 2012-13 Wheat Yield Contest, simply contact the Kansas Wheat office or complete the Entry Form on our Web site, www.kansaswheat.org. The Kansas Wheat office will mail you the official contest rules, entry and management forms. Did You Know? The wheat grown in Kansas in a single year would fill a train stretching from western Kansas to the Atlantic Ocean.

Join KAWG today and as part of your annual $100 membership dues, you’ll receive: • A year’s subscription to “The Wheat Farmer/Row Crop Farmer” newsletter, plus • The latest Wheat Varieties for Kansas and the Great Plains book when it comes out (about August 10 every year), plus • Dozens of other benefits!