Seeding wheat in the dry

[Ache4Acres]

What does everyone do when seeding into a dry weather forecast?

We are already dry as a bone here and it’s not even normal seeding start times. We have been seeding almost a week now.

Seeding deeper than I normally would. About 2”.

Does anyone change seed rates? Increase rate expecting high seedling loss or decrease rate to help crops not to have to fight for scarce water resource?

I am still laying down heavy fert but wonder about cutting back given the bleak outlook.

Anyone have some tips?

[Crestliner]

Well if you are super dry right now and think that rain may not materialize.....now would be the time to put enough P and N with the crop to get it started, then stage fertilize according to moisture received.

You have a 4-6 week window. I have never done it myself because where I am we are usually ok for moisture... but I have heard it’s been a good plan to save money if you are heading for a wreck. If rain comes, apply liquid N or top dress fines.

Hope it rains for you soon and relieves the stress.

[farmaholic]

Ache, did the gaping cracks from last fall close?
.

[SASKFARMER3]

If its year one of a drought for your area friends in Westside use to seed a little lighter and deeper. With starter fertilizer, you can always add later if it rains.

Year two of a drought seeded light and no fert and if it rained top dress.

Year three seed and go to the lake.

Drought sucks I worked in the drought area throughout the 80s I wish I took pictures back then as most wouldn't believe what it looked like.

[Ache4Acres]

Farma

Nope those big monsters are still open. Probably 50% closed compared to last fall but could still lose my pack of smokes down the crack...never to be seen again

[farmaholic]

Farma

Nope those big monsters are still open. Probably 50% closed compared to last fall but could still lose my pack of smokes down the crack...never to be seen again

That would be a good thing, no?

Ghetto dirt here isn't too bad...yet!

[helmsdale]

I've gone as deep as 5.5" looking to plant firmly into moisture... from seed to bottom of the packer trench is about 3" or so. Other than that I usually cross fingers and toes and pray to the almighty.

[wmoebis]

Remember in discer days seeding to the spools looking for moisture. Took awhile but came up and made a crop.

[MBgrower]

were going deep on everything, wheat no problem emerging from 2.5". canola going down almost 2" also. bone dry around here.

[WiltonRanch]

I sure hate mining for wet dirt to put seed but dusting it in can be foolhardy too. Damned if you damned if you don’t. You go and seed deep, cut fertilizer rate, and plan for a wreck then the heavens open up and you kick yourself for not taking the chance. Otherwise if it doesn’t rain you look smart. Oh the fun.