Winter Wheat is one crop that a lot of producers like to incorporate into their crop rotations.

Ken Gross, an Agrologist with Ducks Unlimited, says snow cover is pretty critical for the crop but notes
it's not a big concern until later on in the winter, as winter wheat reaches its maximum hardiness around December.

To get the most out of the crop some producers look at fertility programs to give it a yield boost.

Scientists have long been promoting the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program in a variety of crops.

The 4R concept incorporates the Right fertilizer source, at the Right rate, at the Right time, and in the Right place.

He says some of the stands went into the winter this year a little thin or with one or two leaves.

"If that's the case then the best advice is to apply some fertility as early as possible next Spring as soon as you can get on the field or when the crop is just greening up.
That will allow it to start growing more vigoursly and be a more competitive crop."

Gross says Ducks Unlimited has their own program to promote winter wheat, and he's hoping that leads to more acres planted in the fall.