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MSUE: Realistic yield goals key to managing wheat inputs

Extension educators are highlighting wheat management decisions to help farmers get the most from their crop with limited margins.

Michigan State University’s Dennis Pennington says scouting fields early and often is step one.

“On 7.5-inch row spacing, you need between 15 and 18 plants per foot of row, and you are at 100 percent of your yield potential,” he explains. “So you have an idea where you are because if you’re already at a lower yield potential, you got to factor that in.”

He says setting a realistic yield goal ahead of the spring can help dial in nitrogen expenses, one of the largest variable input costs.

“This is probably not a year when you want to go out there and say, well, I’m going to shoot for a 30 bushel increase in yield,” he says. “You might be able to get it possibly, but in a year when you’re not sure, and the prices are where they are as far as nitrogen and then the wheat price, you want to use a realistic goal.”

Pennington also recommends splitting fertilizer applications to provide crops with the best chance of uptake.

Michigan State University Extension has developed a budget estimator for wheat growers considering their crop protection inputs.

Pennington gave recommendations as part of the Michigan Wheat Program webinar series.