Wheat Production in Arkansas
Response to the Challenges of 2006
In 2004-2005, we had a statewide average yield of 52 bu/acre (5 year average
= 51bu/ac) from 165,000 acres. Acreage was the lowest in recent history primarily
due to prolonged wet weather at planting.
Acreage for the 2005-2006 crop is estimated at 370,000 acres. Acreage reduced
by several factors including; nitrogen fertilizer costs, bankers not willing
to loan money for wheat until they knew how if their producers were going to
be still farming, and drought conditions. Many acres of wheat were planted in
dry soil and did not emerge until rain fell 2-7 weeks later. Wheat that emerged
in October looks excellent.
Management Practices to Maximize Profit
- Timely applications of spring nitrogen. Apply using ground application
equipment if conditions permit. Small late emerging wheat should receive the
first application of spring nitrogen in late January and the remainder 3 to
4 weeks later. Wheat of normal size should receive should receive the first
application of nitrogen in early February followed by the second applications
3 to 4 weeks later. Apply sulfur if needed with the first application of nitrogen
if needed.
- Apply foliar fungicides based on disease levels, no automatic applications
- Scout for weeds to ensure that a herbicide application is really necessary
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