The small grains planted in the heart of the Red River Valley in early April are starting to emerge. University of Minnesota Extension Small Grains Specialist Jochum Wiersma says farmers were concerned. “The seed has been in the ground for about one month. Stands look variable from the road, but most of it is there up close.” Two different planting dates can get tricky with weed control, but it is early enough in the growing season that wheat can make up for less ideal stands by tillering. “There can be more variability in stages, but ultimately, those are minor compared to having to completely start over.” Wiersma also reminds farmers to do a stand count for the small grains when checking for weeds. Anything around 17 stands per square foot or greater is good enough.
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