For many growers in the western High Plains, dry conditions followed by excessive rain has delayed wheat planting. Planting after optimum planting dates can lead to delayed plant establishment heading into winter and less tiller development into spring. Despite the risks of postponed planting, wheat growers can still increase their chance of a successful season by utilizing the appropriate management strategies:

• Seeding rate adjustments: Increase seed rates by 10% overall, or by 1% for each day after the optimum planting date with a maximum 20% increase.
• Fertility: Band phosphorus fertilizer with the seed when planting in cooler, wetter soils. This helps wheat become established as soon as possible and results in quicker emergence and growth.
• Seed depth: Plant the seed at an appropriate depth to help protect it from cold and desiccation in the winter. Planting at a depth of 1.5-2” allows the crown to establish at the desired 1” below the soil line.

AgriPro brand winter wheat variety SY Monument has a high tillering ability and compensates for less heads per acre

In addition to these planting guidelines, growers should consider their variety selection. AgriPro® brand winter wheat variety SY Monument is an ideal variety for delayed planting. SY Monument features good winter hardiness, which can help smaller seedlings make it through winter, and the ability to produce tillers late into the spring. In thinner stands, SY Monument can also increase the number of spikes per head, seeds per spike and weight per seed.

For more information about AgriPro brand wheat varieties including SY Monument or to find a local AgriPro Associate, visit www.agriprowheat.com.

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