Last fall as harvest was winding down, many farmers across the state were getting a head start on this year's growing season.

370 thousand acres of winter wheat were planted in North Dakota. Now after a winter worth of waiting the time is almost here to find out how the crop fared through the frosty months.

(Blake Vandervorst, Reg. Agronomist Ducks Unlimited) "The winter was pretty good for us I believe. We were kind of open in November-December which was a concern and it was kind of dry so we were worried about desiccation.

But what agronomists are finding so far are positive signs just below the surface.

(Vandervorst) "We've been able to dig in the field the past couple of days the survival looks like it's pretty good."

Vandervorst a regional agronomist for Ducks Unlimited along with NDSU extension specialist Kent McKay were talking with farmers today in Berthold

McKay says with winter wheat nearly ready to break dormancy things right now are looking good for the early season crop.

(Kent McKay, NDSU Extension Agronomist) "Winter wheat gets off to an early start in the spring and of course we've got some moisture right now which is going to be critical to a good start for the winter wheat."


McKay says winter wheat typically springs back to life in Ward County around the 10th to the 15th of April. But recent warm weather could have the crop once again growing by the 5th of April.

With an early start that "COULD" once again push winter wheat to be the top yielding crop in the area.

(McKay) "When you compare winter wheat last year to spring wheat, barley, winter wheat was our best crop last year as far as overall yields."


Right now the frost line is about 8 to ten inches below the surface. As the ground warms up agronomist are encouraging producers to keep a close eye on their winter wheat and be ready to head into the field.

(Vandervorst) "Monitor the crop as it comes out this spring and be ready to fertilize for the yield goals that winter wheat has because it's anywhere from 10 to 20 bushels higher than their normal spring wheat crops."


And with winter wheat prices a dollar to a dollar and a half over the long term average any extra yield will make a big difference when it comes time to sell.

With your Eye on Agriculture, Shaun Sipma KX News. watch the video | save this article / add to your favorites list