Ohio Farmers Urged to Plant Wheat Within 14-Day Window

For farmers in Ohio, wheat planting is just around the corner. According to research from Fulton County Ag & Natural Resources, the ideal time to plant wheat is within a 14-day period starting after the county fly-safe date. This year's fly-safe date falls in mid-September, and planting before this date can result in a 5-10% yield loss.

A study conducted between 2022 and 2025 found that delaying planting by 28 days after the fly-safe date resulted in an average yield loss of 23%. However, with updated research, the yield loss associated with planting before the fly-safe date is now comparable to the loss from delayed planting.

When it comes to selecting high-yielding wheat varieties, farmers should choose those with good straw strength and adequate disease resistance. In Ohio, powdery mildew, Stagonospora leaf blotch, and leaf rust are major concerns. It's essential to avoid varieties susceptible to Fusarium head scab.