Small Grain Planting Considerations

 Seed winter wheat between September 20 and October 3 in Area 1, between September 25 and October 8 in Area 2, and between October 1 and October 15 in Area 3 (Figure 1.7-1). 
Seed Depth
Seed 1.0 to 1.25 inches deep. Maintain a uniform seeding depth. 
Seeding Rate
The desired plant population for winter wheat is 1.3 to 1.5 million per acre (28 to 34 plants/sq ft). This requires a seeding rate between 1.5 and 1.7 million seeds per acre or 20–23 seeds per foot in a 7-inch row. Use the lower rates in Area 3 and the higher rates in Areas 1 and 2. The seeding rate should be based on the number of seeds per acre rather than pounds per acre. 
     10,000 seeds per pound (should be on the bag) would indicate the need to set planter at 150lbs per acre. where as if the seeds per pound 12,000 then 125lbs per acre would need to be set on the planter to reach the 1.5 million seeds per acre.  Refer to the agronomy guide when estimating the appropriate seeding rate for various drill row spacings.  Increase these rates when seeding under poor conditions such as a cloddy seedbed or a delayed planting date. When seeding more than 2 weeks following the fly-free date, later increase the seeding rate by 10 percent for each week delayed past that date. Do not delay seeding winter wheat because of dry soil. If fall pasture is desired, plant 1 to 2 weeks earlier and apply 40 pounds of nitrogen per acre in addition to recommended fall rates.