For the few who have continued planting wheat through the years, 2009 has definitely not cooperated very well. There were a few acres put in after some early harvest, but for the most part the fields to be planted to wheat still have standing crops in them.

From October 1, the average fly-free date and the date for best yield in our area, we tend to lose about a bushel per day of yield if seedings are made 10 to 20 days late. The average losses are about two bushels per day from 20 to 30 days late in seeding. There is also a tendency to winter kill when seeded late, due to less accumulated sugars in the plants.

To help compensate for less tillering in late plantings, seeding rates are generally increased about 10% for each week after October 1.

More on the crop insurance aspects of Federal Crop on wheat, check the Farmdoc website at http://www.farmdoc.illinois.edu/manage/newsletters/fefo09_17/fefo09_17.html