Using data to help wheat growers adapt to unpredictable weather

For decades, wheat planting has followed seasonal patterns, but unseasonably warm weather in early 2023 disrupted this routine. As climate patterns shift, choosing the appropriate planting date has become increasingly crucial for wheat growers in Virginia. With tight profit margins, getting planting timing right is a matter of survival.

Virginia's wheat acreage has declined due to low market prices and high input costs. Research led by Joseph Oakes, superintendent and Extension specialist at the Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center (AREC), highlights the importance of planting before late November to ensure crops establish before winter and avoid damage from spring freezes.

Planting between October and early November shows no yield reduction, allowing growers to shift planting dates later without sacrificing production. This timing provides crops with sufficient warm days to develop while minimizing the risk of premature spring maturity. By contrast, planting in November reduces growth and yields due to limited time for establishment before winter.

The research demonstrates potential yield gains of up to 24 bushels per acre, translating to over $100 per acre. The Eastern Virginia AREC and the Virginia Grain Producers Association (VGPA) are working to make these findings accessible to growers through tools like the Medius.RE Trial Data platform, which provides local data on wheat, barley, and corn variety trials, including planting dates, disease pressure, performance, and yield potential.

This research contributes to broader efforts in Virginia to help agricultural producers manage weather-related risks and make informed decisions to improve productivity, reduce risk, and enhance the resilience of the state's agricultural sector.