growing winter wheat

Planning begins when spring crop decisions are being made, as the spring crop’s seeding date will have a strong influence on availability of stubble for fall planting. Having stubble available for the September 1 to 15 ideal seeding window is step one towards a successful winter wheat crop.

Canola is the most popular stubble crop for winter wheat. It offers good weed sanitation, an early harvest, and adequate stubble, all of which are critical to successful winter wheat production. Winter wheat must be direct seeded so that the stubble can trap snow, insulating the crop from harsh winter conditions.

Long-time growers typically have a contingency plan to ensure available stubble. Early crops, such as barley or forage stubble, are good alternatives as they can be seeded later and still provide stubble.