Impact of heat stress on wheat yields to be discussed on Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
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EmailDennis Pennington will talk through the dangers of high temperatures for wheat at flowering during the May 22 Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series.
Although it’s hard to believe, the flowering stage for wheat across Michigan is right around the corner! Join the Michigan State University Extension Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series on May 22, 2025, to hear from Dennis Pennington, wheat systems specialist with Michigan State University (MSU), discuss the implications of high temperatures for wheat production in Michigan. Wheat is most sensitive to heat at the flowering stage (anthesis). The ideal temperatures for anthesis and grain fill are 54-72 degrees Fahrenheit. Once temperatures reach 88 F, the seed number per head declines due to reduced fertilization. Pennington will discuss how and when heat can impact wheat yields. He will also cover best practices to help protect your crop from any potential heat waves this year, including choosing heat-tolerant varieties and building soil health in fields.
Immediately following the discussion on heat stress on wheat yields, MSU Extension agricultural meteorologist Jeff Andresen will present a 15-minute weather summary and forecast. A question-and-answer period will follow. Other MSU Extension specialists and educators will be available for discussion.
Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
The Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series sessions from the MSU Extension field crops team are held every week during the growing season via Zoom. The Virtual Breakfast series keeps attendees informed of in-season updates and issues of concern for field crops. These virtual meetings take place every Thursday morning from 7-8 a.m., March through September 2025. Participants are encouraged to log into the Zoom link 5 minutes prior to the start time to ensure connectivity and receive announcements. The first half of each session includes a timely presentation from a topic expert and the weekly weather forecast. The second half of each session includes time for Q&A’s and updates with MSU specialists and educators.
Participating is easy and free! You can join the live meeting via Zoom using a computer, tablet, mobile device or regular phone line. If you are new to Zoom, simply download the Zoom app and you will be ready to join online every week to see visuals shared by presenters. A call-in by phone option is also available but note that you will only hear the audio portion.
Restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits and certified crop adviser (CCA) continuing education units are available most weeks for live attendees.
Participants must sign up to receive an email notification with instructions for joining the Virtual Breakfast. You only need to do this once and you will receive the Zoom link and call-in phone number, as well as weekly reminders every Wednesday and Thursday. Participants receiving emails can opt out at any time.
Sign up for Field Crops Virtual Breakfast Series
If you cannot participate in the live session at 7 a.m., you can view the recorded version at any time. However, only the live session will be eligible for RUP and CCA credits. Recordings will be closed-captioned and available at the Field Crops Virtual Breakfast webpage and the following MSU Extension field crops team social media platforms: Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X.
If you are unable to sign up online, call the Montcalm County MSU Extension office at 989-831-7500 .
Follow @MSUEFieldCrops on Facebook, Spotify, YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Twitter/X for breaking news.
