Wheat Tech, Inc.

*Small Grains Season*

December 21st 2007

The 2007 planting season went fairly well. Dry conditions early led to adequate seed beds for conventional tillage. No till fields were a bit troublesome with the increased soil bulk density. A significant portion of the acres was planted across Kentucky, W. Tennessee and bootheel of Missouri areas prior to a major rain event on October 22nd and 23rd. After that planting carried on through the end of November, a result of much needed intermittent showers. Stands on timely planted wheat are very good to excellent. November planted wheat is smaller than normal, with many fields showing damage from the excessive precipitation. Ryegrass has been the most problematic weed in most fields, especially some no till fields. Broadleaf weeds, such as henbit and common chickweed, came up later than normal and reached threshold size/density levels in only a few fields. Aphids were also sporadic. With temperatures above average this fall, it could have been expected to see higher numbers or aerial coverage of this pest. Rainfall continues to be the major story for small grains in December. Some stands of wheat are thinning, others are drowning out completely, and a few other areas are being choked out from piles of residue left behind from the receding waters. Here are a few examples:

*Corn News*

August 20th 2007

Corn harvest began the week of August 13th in a few south central Kentucky counties. Of the growers that had started, most stated that calibrated equipment was giving a moisture percentage range in the upper teens to lower twenties.

Most growers began harvesting corn the week of August 20th. Currently, many early and medium maturity corn varieties are being harvested (<115 days)with moisture being less than 16% at nearly every location reporting to date. Corn yields have been quite variable, just as the rain events were this summer.

The photo at right shows the size ear that is commonly found across many acres and many different varieties this year.

The week of August 27th: Most growers are shelling corn across the entire southern tier of Kentucky. Moisture in many fields continues to be reported at less than 16%. However, several growers are now shelling later maturing corn that is still holding some moisture. Reports on these fields has an estimated average of 18-20% moisture. Yields have varied quite a bit, with a range of 70 to 160 bushels. Some losses are being reported because the smallest ears are falling off before they enter the header.

*Soybean News*

August 27th:

Last week brought another week of no rain and 100 degree weather for much of the area. Observations on full season soybeans show that many pockets are dying. Late group three varieties have lost most of the leaves and stems and pods are losing chlorophyll quickly. Most varieties seem to have an adequate number of beans, however most are below average in size. Group four varieties are beginning to lose leaves. Early group four varieties have a fairly good pod count. Mid group four varieties have an adequate pod count as do some of the late fours. Only a few group five varieties were planted this year, and many of those have significantly less pods than normal. Double crop soybeans continue to be in a desperate state. Several fields were cut for hay last week as some growers are beginning to see little hope for a decent yield from those fields.

August 20th:

Recent scouting notes in both full season and double crop soybeans offer insight for this situation. Full season soybeans have stopped adding pods and in some cases, three bean pods are aborting one seed. These two bean pods appear to be developing very slowly. Many pods less than one half inch long are being aborted. These notes depend on soil type and landscape position. Soybeans found on thin soils, in eroded areas or side slopes are showing tremendous stress. Those found in flood plains and or upland depressions are generally better off. Planting date does not seem to make a difference in full season soybeans this year.

Double crop soybeans are at a critical state. Most of these were planted in the month of June. Those planted the first ten days have significantly more vegetative growth and are trying to develop pods. Many fields planted the last half of June have yet to set any pods. Notes on one double crop field give the following details: The field was planted the last week of June. Initial stands were good, however vegetative development through the month of July was significantly less than expected. Plants began R1 at the end of July, and as of August 18th, they are still at R1.

*Final Corn & Soybean News*

December 17th: Overall corn averages for the area were around 110 bu/a. Varieties that did well for growers also faired well in the Wheat Tech trials. One important note is that the heat and/or drought caused varieties with a relative maturity of 115 or later to yield poorly. Full season and double crop soybeans suffered drastic yield reductions this year. Many full season fields average between 10-20 bu/a. Most double crop fields averaged less than 10 bu/a with several averaging less than 5 bu/a.

Several photos have been taken to further explain the situation. The following come from local full season and double crop soybean fields.