Kentucky Wheat Looks Good ... so Far

Chad Lee, Grain Crops Extension, University of Kentucky

The the USDA rates about 81% of Kentucky wheat either good or excellent for the April 3, 2011 reporting period in the Kentucky Weekly Crop and Weather Report. Meanwhile, the USDA reported that only 37% of the wheat was either good or excellent in 18 states for the same reporting period.

Considering how much of the wheat was behind just a month ago, this report is good news. While we are not out of the woods yet, this is a promising start as wheat joints and pushes toward the flag leaf. There is still a chance for a freeze event, as the 50% probability for final freeze is around April 15 for much of southern Kentucky. Also, producers need to check stands for any signs of diseases as well.

Even though there are some risks to this crop, it nice to hear some good news. 

Corn and Soybeans Slightly Ahead of 2008

The latest USDA Crop and Weather Report for Kentucky indicates that the corn and soybean crop is progressing even with the cooler temperatures experienced in July. With the late plantings and cool July temperatures, most of us think that the corn and soybean crops are behind.

However, the report says that for corn, 20% is at dent compared with only 16% a year ago and 34% for the 5-year average. Corn in the milk and dough stages is behind the pace of 2008, however.

Soybean blooming is slightly ahead of 2008 and on pace with the 5-year average. About 48% of the soybean crop is in the pod stage compared to 39% for 2008 and 54% for the 5-year average.

We still need timely rains to get these crops to yield and the warmer temperatures in the forecast will help them continue with development.