(NAFB.com) – Recent rains brought much-needed soil moisture across Kansas, improving prospects for fall wheat stands. At the same time, the weather-restoring soil moisture has also slowed wheat planting progress, leaving many farmers behind schedule. In central Kansas, Derek Sawyer, chair of the Kansas Wheat Commission, said planting progress in his area is only about halfway complete. “Acres are steady so far, but overall, I think acres will be down because fall harvest has been delayed,” Sawyer said. “We’re up against the deadline for double-cropping behind corn or beans.” While moisture conditions are favorable, the season has also brought reports of fall armyworms. Damage has been mostly to early-grazing wheat, but growers are encouraged to watch for pressure on emerging stands. Fields can often recover if the pressure drops quickly, but replanting may be needed in areas more heavily affected. As fields dry, producers still should quickly finish planting.
