The Rural Voice, 1987-05, Page 56ADVICE
costs were: materials $145, machinery
$79, and other costs $43; total $267.
The break-even yield was 53 bushels
and the average yield in the study
group was 70 bushels, leaving a 17 -
bushel margin for land and owner/
operator labour and management. This
was quite surprising.
3. There are several non -economic
considerations that must be addressed
when deciding whether or not to grow
hard red wheat. These are: benefit of
rotation (underseeded to red clover),
demands of workload (spraying occurs
at haying time), machinery -line
compatibility (seed drill and sprayer
must be in good working condition),
demand for straw (particularly impor-
tant for livestock operations), restric-
tions on operating line of credit
(Katepewa has low operating capital
requirements), and the ability to accept
some risk in terms of variable yield.
4. The common production recipe
for hard red spring wheat used was a
seeding rate of 2 1/2 bushels an acre
and 100 lbs. of nitrogen. This is
consistent with University of Guelph
research, which suggests at least a 2 -
bushel per acre seeding rate and 70 lbs.
of nitrogen. Monopol growers used a
slightly higher seeding rate of 2.7
bushels and approximately 190 lbs. of
nitrogen. These people all used
growth regulators and plant fungicides.
Lastly, there seemed to be a link
between higher yields and early
planting. Hard red spring wheat tends
to pollinate and fill during the hottest
days of the year — a real detriment to
productivity. The risk of frost in the
spring should not deter one from
seeding early because spring wheat can
withstand temperatures of -8 degrees
C. Even if the leaves are killed, new
leaves will be generated rapidly as the
growing point is still below the soil
surface at the time.
What is the bottom line on
growing hard red wheat? Try a couple
of varieties, but only on a limited -
acreage basis. Learn how they grow,
the diseases they are prone to, and
what sort of yields are normal for the
area. Refined agronomic experience is
required.0
Ken McEwan
Farm Management Specialist
Perth County OMAF
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MAY 1987 55