Field Crops

Wheat Management for Spring 2025

Today managing your wheat crop requires knowledge of the different growth stages of the plant.  Growth stage identification is critical for scouting and proper timing of fertilizer and pesticide applications.  Each week throughout the rest of the growing season I will discuss the various wheat growth stages I am seeing in our wheat fields and management issues at each stage.  This week I will focus on Feekes 5.  Most of our wheat has progressed to the Feekes 5 growth stage, some fields are in Feekes 6 growth stage.

Feekes 5 – Leaf sheaths strongly erect. 

 

The beginning of the stem elongation phase.  The pseudo-stem is strongly erect and leaf sheaths are elongated. The developing head reaches the terminal spikelet stage and is pushed up into the pseudo-stem.

Terminal spikelet occurs at Feekes 5. This stage marks the completion of the spikelet initiation phase. At this stage, the number of spikelets per head has been determined.   Stress during this stage can reduce total number of kernels per head.

The first hollow stem stage occurs when there is approximately 0.6 inch of hollow stem below the developing head.  Crop water use is about 0.1 inch per day.

Management.

This is an ideal stage for spring topdress nitrogen application. Weed control efforts should be made prior to or during Feekes 5.0 with 2,4-D and other labeled herbicides. This is also a good stage to begin scouting for foliar diseases.  Tillers developing after this time are not expected to contribute to yield.

Weed Response to “Burndown” Herbicides

In no-till corn and soybean fields, it is essential to apply herbicides with foliar activity before crop emergence to control existing weeds. Depending upon the herbicide approach used in the field for that year, herbicides used to control weeds at planting may include glyphosate or paraquat. Use of herbicide combinations in burndown treatments is justified in most no-till fields, due to the variety of winter annual weeds present. Consider fall herbicide treatments in fields that are heavily infested with such species as chickweed, marestail, dandelion, wild carrot, and poison hemlock.

Click here for Burndown table

Ohio Farm Resolution Services

Ohio has over 76,000 farms and 13 million acres of farmland.  In such a large and diverse industry, conflicts commonly arise that can lead to disputes, litigation, and appeals.  Ultimately, these conflicts can cause harmful effects that threaten the viability of Ohio agriculture.

The goal of Ohio Farm Resolution Services at The Ohio State University (OFRS) is to cultivate solutions to the conflicts that impact Ohio’s farms and farm families.  Established in October of 2023 with funding from the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Certified Mediation Program, OFRS serves Ohio agriculture with a three-pronged approach to helping resolve farm conflicts that will provide:

  1. Educational resources on Ohio farm conflict issues.
  2. Conflict resolution and consultation services by OSU Extension legal and farm management specialists.
  3. Formal mediation services by trained mediators.

What issues will we cover? The types of issues OFRS will address include:

  • Family communication
  • Farm transition planning
  • Business entities/ practices
  • Energy leases
  • Farm leases
  • Zoning
  • Land Use
  • Labor
  • Neighbor issues
  • Lender/creditor
  • Property disputes
  • Farmland drainage
  • Crops/Agronomics
  • USDA/ODA appeals
  • Estate disputes
  • Other farm related issues

If you have a farm conflict issue we can help you with now, please e-mail program director Robert Moore at moore.301@osu.edu.

Spring Nitrogen Recommendations for Winter Wheat

Winter wheat is beginning to show signs of green-up (Figure 1). Nitrogen fertilizer should be applied to winter wheat between green-up and Feekes growth stage 6. (If you need a reminder on how to assess if wheat is at Feekes GS 6, see this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_f3VrqzV5c)

Nitrogen applied too early has the potential to be lost since wheat will use little N until after jointing. Urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) or 28% has the greatest potential for loss and ammonium sulfate the least. Urea will have little potential for loss as long as it does not volatize. No stabilizer will protect the nitrate component of UAN, which is roughly 25% of the total N in UAN at application time.

Wheat fertility guidelines follow the Tri-State Fertilizer Recommendations for Corn, Soybean, Wheat, and Alfalfa (available here: https://extensionpubs.osu.edu/search.php?search_query=Tri-state&section=product). Spring N rates depend on wheat yield potential (Table 1). If you prefer to be more specific, the following equation may be used for mineral soils, which have both 1 to 5% organic matter and adequate drainage:

N Rate = (1.33 x Yield potential) – 13

As a producer, you can increase or reduce your N rate by changing the value for yield potential. Thus, a realistic yield potential is needed to determine the optimum N rate. To select a realistic yield potential, look at wheat yield from the past five years. Throw out the highest and lowest wheat yield and average the remaining three wheat yields. This three-year average should reflect the realistic yield potential.

No credit is given for previous soybean or cover crops, since it is not known if that organic N source will be released soon enough for the wheat crop. The Tri-State Fertilizer bulletin recommends that you subtract from the total (spring N) any fall applied N. We recommend taking no more than a 20 lb/A credit even if you applied a larger amount. Whether you deduct fall N depends how much risk you are willing to take and your anticipated return of investment from additional N. Based on the equation above and deducting 20 lb from a fall application, a spring application of 100 lb N per acre would be recommended for a yield potential of 100 bu, 90 for 90 bu potential; and 70 for a 80 bu potential.  Nitrogen rate studies at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station over the past 20 years have shown the optimum rate varies depending on the year. However, averaged over years, yield data from these studies correspond well with the recommendation equation given above. These studies have also shown apart from one year, yields did not increase above a spring rate of 120 lb N per acre.

Wheat generally does not benefit from a nitrification inhibitor since temperatures are relatively cool at application time and the application is made to a growing crop, this is especially true as the crop approaches Feekes GS 6. However, urea may benefit from a urease inhibitor (products containing NBPT) if conditions for volatilization exist for several days after application. These conditions would include an extended dry period with warm drying temperatures (risk increases with temperatures above 70°F) and evaporating winds. Urea applications need at least a half inch rain within 48 hours to minimize volatilization losses unless temperatures remain relatively cool. The urease inhibitor will prevent volatilization for 10 to 14 days with the anticipation of a significant rainfall event during this time.

ESN or polymer coated urea will reduce the potential for N loss from leaching, denitrification, and volatilization. Since these conditions are unlikely to occur in most years, it may not be economical to use this product. Cool weather may prevent the timely release of N from ESN, so if ESN is applied, it should be mixed with urea or ammonium sulfate and be no more than 60% ESN.

A split application of N may be used to spread the risk of N loss and to improve N use efficiency. However, Ohio State University research has not shown a consistent yield increase from this practice compared to a single application after green-up and multiple applications are more costly compared to a single application. In a split system, the first application should be applied no sooner than green-up. A smaller rate should be applied with the first application since little is needed by the crop at that time and the larger rate applied closer to Feekes GS 6.

USDA Expediting $10 Billion in Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers

WASHINGTON, March 18, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, on National Agriculture Day, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices.

 “Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay,” said Secretary Rollins. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources necessary to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.”

 

Authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. To streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP, FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities soon after the signup period opens on March 19, 2025. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. They can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens.

Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates

The commodities below are eligible for these per-acre payment rates:

  • Wheat – $30.69
 Eligible oilseeds:
  • Corn – $42.91
  • Canola – $31.83
  • Sorghum – $42.52
  • Crambe – $19.08
  • Barley – $21.67
  • Flax – $20.97
  • Oats – $77.66
  • Mustard – $11.36
  • Upland cotton &

Extra-long staple cotton – $84.74
  • Rapeseed – $23.63
  • Long & medium grain rice – $76.94
  • Safflower – $26.32
  • Peanuts – $75.51
  • Sesame – $16.83
  • Soybeans – $29.76
  • Sunflower – $27.23
  • Dry peas – $16.02
  • Lentils – $19.30
  • Small Chickpeas – $31.45
  • Large Chickpeas – $24.02

Producer Eligibility

Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline. Eligible producers can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap for eligibility and payment details.

Applying for ECAP

Producers must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.

If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:

  • Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.
  • Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).
  • Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.
  • Form CCC 943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).
  • AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.
  • SF-3881, Direct Deposit.

Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms on file. However, those who are uncertain and want to confirm the status of their forms or need to submit the new Form-943, can contact their local FSA county office.

If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.

ECAP Payments and Calculator

ECAP payments will be issued as applications are approved. Initial ECAP payments will be factored by 85% to ensure that total program payments do not exceed available funding. If additional funds remain, FSA may issue a second payment.

ECAP assistance will be calculated using a flat payment rate for the eligible commodity multiplied by the eligible reported acres. Payments are based on acreage and not production. For acres reported as prevented plant, ECAP assistance will be calculated at 50%.

For ECAP payment estimates, producers are encouraged to visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to use the ECAP online calculator.

More Information

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

Controlling the Spread

Palmer Amaranth, Waterhemp, Marestail, Giant Ragweed, Lambsquarters, Pigweed, Burcucumber, Foxtail, Pokeweed, and Velvetleaf are some of the problem weeds we face annually in Knox County.  The first six weeds have documented herbicide resistance in Ohio.  The weeds in bold print are on the noxious weed list which requires control.

Arguably the single most daunting task facing some of us this year may be stopping the spread of weeds such as Waterhemp and Palmer Amaranth.  Waterhemp and Palmer Amaranth are two devastating, invasive weeds now found throughout Knox County.  These weeds, like no other weeds we have ever experienced, can and will change the way we manage our farms today.  These weeds can impact both your herbicide program and your trait-based seed selection.

Populations of these species can explode in just a few years if not controlled.  Consider each female plant of these two species can produce 1 million seeds.  If only one plant survives this year, how many of these seeds will germinate next year?  It’s not impossible to see a scenario where one surviving plant can turn into a million or more new plants within a few years.

Table 1. shows the seed production capabilities and the expected seed survival rate of different weed species prevalent in Knox County.

Controlling the spread

A monumental undertaking facing some this year will be to stop the spread of these weeds.  The most common avenues for weed seeds to spread are:

  • Machinery – Seeds are easily spread by many types of farm machinery, especially combines and mowing equipment.
  • Manure – Animals consume weed seed via various feed additives (cottonseed hulls) and hay.  Seeds are then spread in the manure.
  • Humans – Humans can spread weed seed through recreational activities and by moving items from field to field (power company moving big wood pallets).
  • Birds and wildlife – often transport weed seeds through their manure or by seeds in their coat.
  • Water – Heavy rains resulting in flooding can move weed seed to downstream fields.

Over the last three years I have personally seen evidence of weed seed movement throughout Knox County by each of these methods.

Invasive weeds pose significant risks to our farms.  Effective weed control programs and preventing the spread of these weeds is critically important.  These plants can have wide-ranging impacts on our farms for years to come.  Preventing these weeds from producing seed and/or removing or killing these plants before they produce seed is best way to control the spread.

 

Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference March 11-12

Don’t miss this year’s Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference March 11-12, 2025, (Tuesday-Wednesday) at Ohio Northern University, Ada, Ohio. Connect with other great farmers and CCAs, experience new ideas, and increase your net income.

The theme is “Getting More from Less.” Cutting costs is key following a year where corn and soybean yields were reduced for many farmers. And crop prices are barely breakeven. We don’t know what the weather will be in 2025, but commodity prices are projected to stay low.

Fred Yoder, no-till farmer at Plain City and former president of the National Corn Growers Association, will be the opening keynote speaker and will appear two more times on the program. He’ll discuss economic benefits of continuous no-till. Also, he will share insights into the new USDA leadership and the Farm Bill.

Jeff Duling, Putnam County, will discuss how he works with Mother Nature to increase yields with no-till and cover crops. Part of his farmland is Paulding clay, considered the worst soil in Northwest Ohio. He has increased corn yields on it by 50 to 75 bushels per acre. He is sponsored by Pioneer.

Connor Sible, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois, will share his research on various methods of “Managing Residue (from high-yielding corn): Mechanical, Chemical, and Biological.” He is sponsored by Calmer Corn Heads.

Etienne Herrick-Sutton, University of Missouri, will speak on the Regenerative Agriculture Outlook. Rodrigo Werle, University of Wisconsin, will present information on Managing Waterhemp in Soybeans. The full conference program is available at ctc.osu.edu

With about 60 speakers total, the Conservation Tillage and Technology Conference gives plenty of opportunities to gain valuable information. The program features four faculty from Midwest universities and more than 20 OSU Extension Educators and campus faculty.

The opening General Session will start at 8:30 a.m. March 11. Master Farmer Awards and the Ohio CCA of the Year will be announced. Four concurrent sessions will begin at 10:00 a.m. The Tuesday sessions include: Soil Health, Cover Crops and No-till; Nutrient Management; Agronomic Crops Management; and Precision Ag & Technology.

The four sessions on Wednesday will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end about 4:30 p.m. Sessions include: Soil Health, Cover Crops and No-till; Agronomic Crops Management; Water Quality; and Regenerative Agriculture. Take advantage of the opportunity to discuss one-on-one with speakers, exhibitors, sponsors, and other participants. Bring a friend and/or family members.

Registration will be a flat rate $100. Register online at https://www.allenswcd.com/cttc/ or call Albert Suniga at 419-222-0846 x1005. (Registration after February 25, or on-site, will be $150.) If you are planning to stay overnight, take advantage of available but limited rooms at discounted rates at “The Inn “at the Ohio Northern University. To take advantage of this promotion, call 844-535-2805. (When reserving, mention CTTC)

Can we grow 300 bu. corn in Knox County?

Does plant population matter?

Maximizing corn yield requires a combination of sound management, good agricultural practices, and help from Mother Nature (environmental factors). Soil health and fertility; Hybrid selection; Proper planting; Weather; and Weed, Insect and Disease control all play a critical role.  Some of these are controllable others are not.

A recent article I read compared the characteristics and management practices of the top performers in the NCGA yield contest.   According to the article, these farmers not only have produced yields much higher than the current U.S. average, but they have also achieved a higher rate of yield gain over time.

Over the past 20 years, U.S. corn yields have increased at a rate of 1.9 bushels/acre/year while winning yields in the non-irrigated yield contest classes have increased by 4.6 bushels/acre/per year.  During the same period Knox County corn yields have increased by about 1.8 bushels/acre/year.

Why are we lagging behind?  Yes, I know that only the best ground is entered into these contests, and this ground may sometimes receive different levels of inputs.  But … with our resources in Knox County, shouldn’t we be able to do better, at least surpass the U.S. rate of 1.9 bushels/per acre/year?

Fields entered into this contest are planted with the same corn hybrids available to everyone and at least regionally,  subject to the same growing conditions.  This  suggests that management practices could be playing a key role in  yield potential.

The management practice I want to focus on today is plant population.

Does plant population matter??

A key factor in achieving maximum corn yield is establishing an adequate population density to allow a hybrid to maximize its yield potential. Due to improved genetics, many of today’s hybrids can be planted at higher populations.

Harvest populations in national corn yield contest entries over 300 bushels/acre from 2020 through 2024 are shown in the chart below.

The average contest harvest population over this period was 35,400 plants/acre.  The U.S. average during the same time period was 29,200 plants/acre and the Ohio average during this period was 30,080 plants/per acre.

Yes, seed costs are increasing.  While I’m not trying to sell seed, does this data suggest that we  should we be adjusting our corn population rates … or at least considering it?

The bottom line is – You know your fields’ yield potential!  As a manager are you giving each field the inputs and management it needs to achieve its maximum potential?

Developing your 2025 corn budget

An enterprise budget is a listing of all income and expenses associated with a specific enterprise. What you produce determines the profitability of your business. Enterprises are the basic building blocks for a farm plan. By analyzing revenues and expenses associated with individual enterprises you can determine which enterprises might be expanded and those that should be cut back or eliminated.

This post will focus on developing your 2025 Corn Budget.  The following are key components for this budget.

1. Revenue Assumptions

  • Corn yield (bushels per acre): Estimated based on your field’s productivity or average local yields.
  • Price per bushel: You can base this on current market trends or contract pricing.
  • Revenue calculation: Yield per acre x Price per bushel.

2. Variable Costs

These are costs that vary depending on the acreage and input levels.

  • Seed costs: The cost of corn seed per acre, including any seed treatment.
  • Fertilizer: Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) and other micronutrient fertilizers required for soil health.
  • Herbicides and pesticides: Costs for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases.
  • Fuel: Fuel for planting, cultivating, irrigating, spraying, and harvesting.
  • Labor: Wages for employees working in the field, including seasonal workers.
  • Crop insurance: Premiums for insurance covering potential yield losses or damage from weather events.
  • Other inputs: Other specific inputs required to produce your crop.

3. Fixed Costs

These are costs that do not fluctuate with the level of production.

  • Equipment depreciation: The annual depreciation of tractors, planters, sprayers, harvesters, etc.
  • Land rent/lease: If you do not own the land, this would be a fixed cost.
  • Interest on land and equipment loans: If applicable, include the interest you pay on any loans.
  • Building and storage maintenance: Costs for maintaining barns, grain bins, or other structures.
  • Property taxes: Taxes associated with your land and equipment.

4. Overhead Costs

These include administrative and management costs that can be allocated to each acre.

  • Management and administration: Salaries or wages for management or administrative roles not included in variable costs.
  • Insurance (property, liability): Farm insurance policies.
  • Utilities: Electricity, water, gas, propane, and other utilities for farm operation.

5. Other Costs

  • Transporting: Cost of hauling harvested corn to your bins or elevators.
  • Storage costs: If you’re storing the corn for later sale, include costs for drying and storage.

6. Profit Margin

After calculating your revenue and all associated costs, determine the profit margin per acre. This is the difference between your total revenue and total costs.

The following link will take you to the 2025 OSU Corn Enterprise Budget developed by OSU Extension’s Barry Ward.  This can serve as a guide to help you consider all costs in your operation.

Soybean Resilience Blueprint- Free Webinar Series

The Science For Success team is hosting a two-part webinar series focused on some of the biggest challenges in soybean production: the ever changing environmental and economic landscape. The webinar series is free and open to anyone. Certified Crop Advisers can earn 1.0 CEU in Crop Management by attending the webinar.

Register at: https://soybeanscienceforsuccess.org/webinars-and-events/

Part 1: Climate Challenges in Soybean Production

  • Date & Time: February 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM
  • Topic: This session will explore the impacts of changing weather on soybean production and offer actionable insights into overcoming these challenges.
  • Speakers:
    • Chris Kucharik, Professor of Plant and Agroecosystem Sciences at University of Wisconsin- Madison
    • Alex Lindsey, Associate Professor of Crop Ecophysiology and Agronomy at The Ohio State University
    • Laura Lindsey, Professor of Soybean and Small Grains at The Ohio State University
    • Michael Plumblee, Assistant Professor of Agronomy at Clemson University

Part 2: Economic Insights for Uncertain Times

  • Date & Time: March 14, 2025 at 1:00 PM
  • Topic: This session will provide practical strategies to manage economic volatility in soybean farming.
  • Speakers:
    • Paul Mitchell, Director of the Renk Agribusiness Institute at the University of Wisconsin- Madison
    • Shawn Conley, Professor and State Soybean and Small Grain Specialist at University of Wisconsin- Madison
    • Seth Naeve, Professor and Extension Agronomist at University of Minnesota
    • Nicole Fiorellino, Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Agronomy at University of Maryland
    • Michael Plumblee, Assistant Professor of Agronomy at Clemson University

About Science for Success: Science For Success is a national team of soybean Extension Specialists from Land-Grant Universities. We collaborate to bring you sound research information on soybean Best Management Practices (BMPs). Science for Success is funded by the United Soybean Board through the checkoff program. To learn more about Science For Success, please visit our new website: https://soybeanscienceforsuccess.org/