A extremely dry spring has “pushed” the wheat and barley crop in North Dakota and there are a few reports of spring wheat starting to head in some areas of the state. Although some rainfall has been received across the state, low relative humidity and hot temperatures has lessened scab concerns for the entire state. However, small grain growth stages are extremely variable and scab risk (and weather) should be revisited as small grain crops begin to enter heading and flowering stages.

--Andrew Friskop, Assistant Professor and Cereal Extension Pathologist, North Dakota State University