00:00Virginia wheat growers are getting new data to help them cope with increasingly unpredictable
00:04weather. Virginia Tech researchers are studying how planting dates can affect crop growth,
00:10yields, and freeze risk. The research comes after unusually warm weather in March
00:15and April accelerated wheat development. That left crops vulnerable when widespread
00:20freezing temperatures later hit Virginia fields. Researchers compared four planting
00:24dates from mid-October through November across four Virginia counties. Drone-based technology
00:30was used to monitor crop growth throughout the growing season. The study found planting before
00:35November 1st did not reduce yields, but wheat planted in November had less time to develop
00:41before winter, leading to lower growth in yields. Researchers say the right timing could increase
00:47production by up to 24 bushels per acre. That could mean more than $100 per acre, giving
00:53Virginia farmers another tool to manage weather risks and protect yields. Disclosure. This
00:58video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
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