It provides income in June and July to pay spring bills. The ground cover over winter lessens chance of soil erosion. It provides opportunity for straw or establishment of a hay crop. Production Practices Wheat is seeded in late September or early October in northern Illinois and in October in southern Illinois. After initial fall growth, wheat is dormant throughout the winter.
Growth resumes in late winter.
About that time, growers apply nitrogen fertilizer to foster maximum production. A little later, a herbicide may be applied to control wild garlic. Wheat begins to head about the first week of May. From that period to harvest, environmental conditions greatly affect the possibility of foliar diseases that can have a significant affect on yield. Harvest begins the middle of June in southern Illinois and ends in early July in northern Illinois.