Wheat Tour Shows Mixed Crop Outlook

By Scout Nelson

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln recently conducted its annual wheat variety tours across the state from June 5 to June 12. This year’s wheat crop showed signs of stress caused by tough weather conditions and early disease concerns.

Due to dry fall and winter, many wheat fields across Nebraska suffered poor emergence. The uneven growth resulted in fields with plants at different maturity stages, which could cause harvesting challenges later. However, spring rains in late May brought some relief and raised hopes for better yields.

“The wheat tours, I would say, on the whole, were slightly encouraging,” said Amanda Easterly, Nebraska Extension dryland cropping specialist. “Across the state, I think, we really benefited from some of the May rains. And I think it will save a lot of folks’ crops.”

Despite the late-season moisture, disease pressure remains a concern. Some fields showed serious signs of wheat streak mosaic virus, a disease that can continue affecting crops even after harvest.

“I think we're going to have to be mindful and watch for wheat streak closely again next year,” Easterly said.

Stripe rust was also spotted during the tour, but it is considered too late in the season to apply fungicides. “The stripe rust will have a minimal effect on final yield. And we're too close to harvest to spray fungicide,” she added.

Western Nebraska saw good rainfall this spring, improving conditions as wheat nears harvest. “I was worried about test weight with the drought, and though the rains came during or after pollination, they can help fill out the kernels that did pollinate,” Easterly explained.

Overall, the wheat crop outlook has improved, but challenges remain due to weather stress and early disease outbreaks.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-ianchrisgraham