From the Field: Freeze Wreaks Havoc on Kansas Wheat Crop

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The photos shared here would be beautiful, if they weren’t a symbol of the impact Mother Nature has on the 2013 wheat crop. 

When temperatures plummeted from weekend highs near 70 degrees throughout Kansas, to the teens on April 9, grain traders immediately turned their attention to the wheat fields of Kansas.

It’s not a pretty sight.

From her farm near Stafford, Kim Fritzemeier wrote us: “There hasn’t been much melting today, with temperatures staying below freezing and no sun. Even my eternal optimist [husband Randy, who is a KAWG Director] isn’t as optimistic this afternoon. As he says, ‘It’s good we have insurance.’ Maybe the hail/ice that fell last night will insulate the crop…here in Central Kansas, we may be in better shape than western Kansas because our temperatures haven’t been in the teens. Time will tell, I guess.”

Jim Shroyer, wheat specialist at Kansas State University, says this was a “hard freeze,” with temperatures falling into the teens in western Kansas April 9, with additional dips the night of April 10. Those temperatures will cause damage to the wheat crop. In central and eastern Kansas, temperatures fell only to the upper 20s.  

Shroyer mentions the good news: this year’s wheat crop is not nearly as far along in development as it was at this time last year, due to the drought and cool winter and spring temperatures.

“But, any wheat at the jointing stage or later will probably lose some tillers where temperatures were in the teens for an extended time,” he notes. “Where only some of the tillers have been damaged, there is still plenty of time for undamaged tillers to compensate and minimize any potential yield loss, but that will depend on having adequate moisture, which is uncertain this year.”

Vance Ehmke, who farms near Dighton, says temperatures dipped to 18 degrees the night of April 9. In an e-mail forwarded to Kansas Wheat, he reports: “I just checked several fields and varieties. All fields are very dry. Wheat that was planted earlier and is bigger is also worst looking. TAM 112 was frozen inside, joint is right above crown or not jointed. Drought stressed. A nearby field of triticale has joint right above crown. Like the 112, leaves look dark and frozen. T158 has joint right above crown. TAM 304 has joint 1.5 inches above crown and barely out of ground. Wheat condition is better on the 304 but it’ was later planted and not as big.  The bigger wheat has better root system but is very dry around those roots. Temp was 20 early last night and spent most of last night at or slightly lower than 20. At 9-10 AM, it’s still only up to 25 degrees.”

Finally, although south central Kansas temperatures were not as extreme as those in western Kansas, Kansas Wheat Commissioner Scott Van Allen said as of mid-afternoon on Wednesday, it was 29 degrees on his Sumner County farm: “Hopefully the ice and water will help insulate the wheat from the cold,” Van Allen wrote, attaching photos from his fields in an e-mail.  

It will take at least a few days to determine the extent of damage to the Kansas wheat crop, Shroyer reports. In a special edition of the K-State Agronomy Update, the agronomist offers tips on freeze diagnosis and his prognosis of the crop up to this point.

Kansas Wheat will continue to monitor the freeze situation. If you have comments, observations or wish to share photos of your wheat, please respond in the comments section.

Freeze injury update - worse than we thought

Reblogged from World of Wheat:

• 
• 
• 
• 

On April 4th I toured southwest Oklahoma and surveyed freeze injury to wheat. In my experience, most freeze events are overhyped; however, this one was the real deal Holyfield.  I traveled a route from Faxon to Chattanooga to Altus to Blair and ended up at Apache. Damage was similar at all sites, with injury ranging from 50 to 80%.

The best looking wheat was the hardest hit.

Read more… 320 more words

Great insight from Jeff Edwards, Small Grains Extension Specialist at Oklahoma State University, on the impact of freezing temperatures on that state's wheat crop.

Kansas Wheat Conditions in Early Spring…

Wheat in Hamilton County on April 4. Emergence in many areas of Western Kansas is spotty.

Across the state, the 2013 wheat crop is perking up and showing slight signs of improvement from the poor stands of past fall. In its April 1 Crop Progress Report, Kansas Agricultural Statistics rated the wheat crop at 2% excellent and 29% good. That’s a slight improvement over the prior week. The crop’s development is a little behind the long term average, as just 13% of it has jointed, compared to a five-year average of 22%. Despite slight improvement, the wheat crop still ranks as the fourth worst in Kansas history at this point in the growing season.

On the farms of Kansas wheat leaders, the crop ranges in condition from very good, to very poor.

David Schemm, past president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, says that based on early spring tiller counts, his farm near Sharon Springs could produce yields ranging from 23 to 50 bushels per acre, with an average in the low 40s. Soil moisture is adequate right now, although “to hit those yields we will need average to slightly above average moisture from here on,” he says.

In Scott County, Kansas Wheat Commission Chairman Rich Randall says dryland wheat will need rain before long because there isn’t enough soil moisture to carry the crop until harvest. Some fields are just now emerging, and stands will be poor. “If we had some good spring rains, I anticipate these fields with poor stands will be abandoned and planted to a row crop,” Randall says.  

Ron Suppes, KWC vice chairman from Dighton, says wheat fields in In Southwestern Lane County, Northeastern Finney and Eastern Scott County look good on the surface. “I probed for moisture in all three areas two days ago and found most places to have about one foot of subsoil moisture on the average,” he says. Continuous wheat fields contain less subsoil moisture than summer-fallowed fields, and terraced fields are either starting to show stress with dryness-induced poor stands on the terrace tops. “So far we have missed out on much of the moisture events, on the average on my farm, since we  planted the wheat, we have had under three inches of moisture,” Suppes says.

In south central Kansas, Kansas Wheat Commissioner Scott Van Allen says the wheat looks good, with good amounts of winter moisture sustaining the crop. Many farmers fertilized with a topdress application of nitrogen a few weeks ago, giving the crop a boost headed into the spring.

Near Garden City, Jay Cook, a former director for KAWG, predicts that temperatures the next 60 days will be key to the crop’s success. “In my area of Lane and Finney counties, we barely go the wheat established due to dry soils, but we now have a stand. Our wheat needs cool weather to allow the roots to move into the soil profile where there is some moisture,” he explains. “We had one hot day in the past few weeks, and it looked as if the wheat crop headed backwards. But since then, we have had cool, damp weather that we need. I hope we are not in a trend of abnormally hot weather in April and May like we had last year.”

In southeast Kansas, wheat acres are limited. Jim Michael, KAWG director from McCune, says it is wet in his area of the state. “We went from a very nice winter to a very wet March and April so far.  Overall conditions are still very good. Most of the wheat has been top dressed but I did hear from one coop that they were going to bring in a plane to try to get some nitrogen on a few fields.  We have had some disease pressure along with aphids. We are in need of warm weather or the crop will start to go backwards.”

Mark Hodges, director of the private wheat marketing organization Plains Grains, Inc., says conditions from this point on are more critical this year than they would be in an average year. Root systems are not fully developed, meaning timely rainfall is essential; fewer tillers in the wheat mean heat or drought stress will have a major negative impact on wheat yields.

Hodges estimates the 2013 crop is in poorer shape this year than last year in western Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas Nebraska and South Dakota, and eastern Colorado. “Still, there is time and opportunity for a recovery to some extent, particularly the further north we go,” he says.

Research is the Key

Yesterday in celebration of Kansas Agriculture day the Kansas Department of Agriculture hosted a dialogue of Kansas agriculture. Held at the Kansas State capital the panel of diverse agricultural leaders included: Brandi Buzzard author of the blog, Buzzard’s Beat; Dr. Mike Aply of Kansas State University; Doug Hofbauer President and CEO of Frontier Farm Credit; Bob Petersen, Executive Director of the Kansas City Agribusiness Council; and Diana Floyd, RD, LD, Kansas State Department of Education Child Nutrition Consultant.

First Kansas Agriculture Dialogue takes place March 19 in Topeka. Photo courtesy of Kansas Livestock Association.

One of the members of the panel was our very own Jay Armstrong. A member of the Kansas Wheat Commission, Jay grows wheat, corn, and soybeans in Atchison County. Kansas. He also serves as chairman of Farm Foundation, an organization focused on providing factual, unbiased information for policy makers.

Panelists were asked several questions by moderator Greg Akagi, farm director at WIBW radio: What is the biggest issue facing Kansas agriculture today, how do we deal with the current drought situation, and what is to be done about the increasing age of the Kansas farmer? Armstrong said agricultural research is critical to the future of agriculture, especially when droughts are concerned.

“It means research and it means the right kind of research. Research dollars are a very limited resource. We need to decide what it is we want to invest in and put the limited amount of money towards that.”

This is exactly what wheat farmers have decided to do. The Kansas Wheat Innovation Center is the states’ largest farmer investment in wheat research. The new facility includes 15,000 square feet of state-of-the-art laboratory space and 10,000 square foot greenhouse facility. This will allow for year-round wheat variety development and research.

Jay understands that this current drought could last a long time, and there will be more droughts to come in the future. Beyond drought, there are other problems such as gluten sensitivity and a desire for yield increases – all of which are things research will provide answers to.

“We’ve got to add value to whatever we are producing and the thing that adds value is technology…..That’s the future and the future is bright.”

Each panelist discussed how agriculturalists need to “take action” and “tell our story.” The wheat farmers of Kansas have decided to take action and create a solid investment in the future of wheat genetics. It is through the actions of producers that we will see our industry continue to grow and adapt to the needs of consumers. One thing we know for sure is that when difficult questions arise, wheat farmers answer with action.

If you would like to watch the discussion it is available on the Kansas Department of Ag Website.

Wheat Commission Site Earns Silver Addy Award

We normally don’t like to toot our own horn but sometimes it is good to celebrate successes. Our nutrition and consumer education web site, America’s Breadbasket, recently was recognized by the Topeka Ad Club of the American Advertising Federation with a Silver ADDY award.

Nicole Lane, Kansas Wheat’s intern, proudly displays our Silver Addy award, earned through our work with ImageMakers on the Kansas Wheat Americas Breadbasket website.

“Helping local businesses is extremely rewarding. We enjoy being able to provide our clients with online tools that have been proven to deliver measurable results,” said Dan Holmgren, President and Creative Director of ImageMakers.

We are proud of the site, which features dozens of recipes from the Kansas Wheat Commission archives; a unique “Ask a Question” section in which consumers and bakers can pose questions to our nutrition education team, a blog, and more. It also serves as the host site for the biennial “National Festival of Breads” competition.

Like all websites, this one is a work in progress. So…keep checking it as we add more features!

ConAgra Mills, Horizon Milling to Combine Flour Mill Operations

There’s big news coming out of Omaha and Minneapolis today: ConAgra Mills and Horizon Milling (CHS and Cargill’s flour milling group) have joined flour mill operations. The combined operations, called Ardent Mills, will: “…take advantage of the combines assets, capabilities and experience of the three corporations to bring innovative flour and grain products, services and solutions to the marketplace,” according to a press release distributed by the companies on March 5.

In short, Ardent Mills was created as a way to integrate two already very large milling companies into one even larger company. In each company’s respective 2012 fiscal years, ConAgra Mills, currently a part of ConAgra Foods’ Commercial Foods segment, had $1.8 billion in sales; Horizon Milling, $2.5 billion.

More from the Press Release:

“Ardent Mills’ vision will be to help customers increase their growth and profitability in an ever-changing marketplace. Its products will be backed by an extensive network of wheat sourcing capabilities and flour milling and bakery mix facilities across North America. The company will offer a unique set of services, including product development resources, technical and application support, supply chain management and commodity price risk management. Ardent Mills also will tap the market knowledge, transportation logistics, consumer insights, food ingredients and culinary expertise currently available through ConAgra Foods, Cargill and CHS.

“Suppliers, including the many farmers and cooperatives that currently provide wheat to the milling operations of ConAgra Mills and Horizon Milling, are expected to benefit from the additional sourcing opportunities provided by Ardent Mills’ asset base, as well as from more opportunities to make value-adding connections to consumers.”

One industry insider with knowledge of all three companies told us that on the outset, the deal doesn’t look to be favorable to farmers.

“My initial view is that the price of wheat just went down, and the price of flour just went up,” he told Kansas Wheat.

The company’s operations and services will be supported by 44 flour mills (two mills in Kansas), three bakery mix facilities and a specialty bakery, all located in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. The location of its headquarters will be determined at a later date. ConAgra Foods and Cargill will each own a 44 percent stake in Ardent Mills, with CHS owning a 12 percent interest. All three companies will have representatives on Ardent Mills’ board of directors.

The formation of Ardent Mills is expected to be completed in late calendar year 2013, following regulatory clearances, financing and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Proud to Support FFA Week

“I believe that American agriculture can and will hold true to the best traditions of our national life and that I can exert and influence in my home and community that will stand solid for my part in that inspiring task.” ~Paragraph 5, The FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany

Tomorrow February 23rd will mark the last day of National FFA Week 2013. But just because the spotlight will be off the blue jackets does not mean these students will stop the great work they are doing. As a past FFA member and former FFA State Officer I can tell you that the work for the year has just begun. Members will be gearing up for contests, constantly preparing service projects and education events, and attending leadership conferences.

This year’s FFA week theme was GROW. Something I believe very fitting to the National FFA Organization, agriculture, and the impact FFA has on students.

“FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”                                                                                                                              ~FFA Motto

The FFA motto encompasses exactly what the National FFA Organization and FFA week is all about. Throughout this week chapters from all over the country have been hosting teacher appreciation breakfasts, ag olympics, ag in the classroom visits and countless other activities. This week is all about educating others about FFA and agriculture.

FFA members are the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Through agricultural education and hands on learning they are preparing themselves for over 300 careers in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. National FFA Week is a tradition made possible by the National FFA Foundation and annually encompasses February 22nd George Washington’s birthday. I personally believe that this is one of the greatest traditions that National FFA celebrates and that it helps students live out the last paragraph of the FFA Creed where they are given the opportunity to exert and influence in their home and community that will stand sold for their part in the inspiring task of ensuring the future of agriculture in America.

For each member there comes a day where the blue corduroy must be unzipped for good and we move on. However the influence and impact left on that member never leaves.

“You may outgrow the jacket but you will never outgrow the experience.”

~Unkown

As members grow in the organization and eventually graduate, the values, skills, and knowledge that FFA gives remains. These members are the future of agriculture and will grow to find career success in the industry of their passion. Personally my experience with FFA helped me find my purpose, discover my passions, and determine my future career in agriculture. Here in the Kansas Wheat office we have another who also found great success in the FFA. Our Membership and Government Affairs Specialist, Dalton Henry served as State President of Kansas FFA in 2006.

For many, FFA creates a foundation for a career where they can continue to grow as individuals, leaders, and agriculturalists. As this year’s FFA Week comes to a close we hope to recognize the work that the members will continue to do throughout the rest of this year and beyond. Even though FFA week will end, the growth gained through membership in this great organization will not. Kansas Wheat is proud to be a supporter of the National FFA Organization and the Kansas FFA Association.