Search
Better Farming OntarioBetter PorkBetter Farming Prairies

Better Farming Ontario Featured Articles

Better Farming Ontario magazine is published 11 times per year. After each edition is published, we share featured articles online.


Crop Scene Investigation - 57 Solved: What happened to Wendel's winter wheat?

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

by BERNARD TOBIN

Every second row in pockets of Wendel's winter wheat field had lower plant populations because mud pulled up by the front gang of disc openers on the farmers seed drill stuck to the rear disc openers and built up on the rear press wheels.

As a result, the rear openers and press wheels, which seed and pack every second row, were not functioning properly. The muddy press wheels resulted in shallow seeding depth in these rows and did not place all the seeds into the seed slot properly.

Agronomist Paul Sullivan explains that the same population pattern did not exist across the field because the planter worked properly in the drier areas of the field. "Where the ground was drier and more fit, the coulters did not pull up any mud, and the mud that had accumulated on press wheels in the wet areas would dry and fall off. The planter would then work as it should."

While lower plant populations in a field like Wendel's don't lead to significant yield losses, Sullivan says farmers can help manage the problem by cranking up populations as planting pushes later into the fall. He notes that research conducted by long-time Ontario agriculture ministry wheat specialist Peter Johnson suggests that "when we plant late, we should be planting 2.1 million seeds per acre, like we do with spring grains."

Sullivan says the problem of planting winter wheat in tough fall conditions is something every farmers wrestles with at one time or another. "In those situations, it's tough to say you'll just leave it for another day," he adds.  

Congratulations to James Temple, St. Thomas for his correct answer. James notes: "Being late in the season the bit of difference in seeding depth could prove quite variable in emergence and healthy plants. I've also seen it before where one plants 15 inch beans, only sets depth of one gang, and forgets going into wheat." BF

Current Issue

December 2024

Better Farming Magazine

Farms.com Breaking News

December Better Farming Ontario available online

Thursday, December 12, 2024

The December issue of Better Farming Ontario has been held up, like many publications, by the Canada Post strike. Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA), which provides their members with a Better Farming subscription, has graciously agreed to share the digital version of the... Read this article online

New fund targets invasive phragmites spread

Thursday, December 12, 2024

The Ontario Phragmites Action (OPA) program has announced the launch of the Invasive Phragmites Control Fund (IPCF) and is now accepting project proposals. Supported by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, this fund aims to enhance efforts to control invasive Phragmites across the... Read this article online

Farm Fresh Ontario is now Agritourism Ontario

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Agritourism Ontario (formerly Farm Fresh Ontario—the name change took place on December 2, 2024) is heading into 2025 with a new name and look that is more reflective of what the association does. It is also taking on some big projects thanks to the support of the Ontario Ministry... Read this article online

BF logo

It's farming. And it's better.

 

a Farms.com Company

Subscriptions

Subscriber inquiries, change of address, or USA and international orders, please email: subscriptions@betterfarming.com or call 888-248-4893 x 281.


Article Ideas & Media Releases

Have a story idea or media release? If you want coverage of an ag issue, trend, or company news, please email us.

Follow us on Social Media

 

Sign up to a Farms.com Newsletter

 

DisclaimerPrivacy Policy2024 ©AgMedia Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Back To Top