Georgia Grains
Grain Status
The small grain crop is in various stages of development. Wheat planted last December has struggled to vernalize properly and may only be at a Feekes 7 to 8 stage of growth. Rye, oats and early planted wheat has begun to head and is quite susceptible to freezing temperatures. Small grains that are in the late boot stage and heading phase are severely damaged when temperatures drop to 300 F for two hours.
Dry weather has certainly lowered the yield potential of the crop particularly that which is developing later due to poor vernalization. Disease pressure has slowed considerably due to the dry weather. Irrigations of one inch per acre spaced 10 to 12 days apart will aid yield production of well managed wheat and oats.
Corn: Corn planting has slowed due to the drought but plant stands for the most part are good. The crop is susceptible to frost or freeze but little to no yield loss would be expected at this early growth period. Tissue loss can be severe but the growing point of most of the crop is still below the soil surface and is protected by the soil. Irrigate soils to reduce the risk of freezing below the soil surface.
Julianna Temple