EFFECTS OF PLANTING DATES AND TILLAGE SYSTEMS ON THE ECONOMICS OF HARD RED WINTER-WHEAT PRODUCTION

Differences in farm income and variability of income resulting from alternative planting dates for winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in the Southern Plains under different tillage regimes has not been reported. This study was conducted to determine the economics of a no-till production system for winter wheat relative to a conventional till system for alternative planting dates. Yields were obtained from a study conducted over 4 yr (1982-1986) at two locations in Oklahoma. A representative farm budgeting approach was used to compute economic returns and stochastic dominance analysis was used to compare alternative strategies. The conventional till system resulted in greater average economic returns than the no-till system for both locations and each of the four planting dates. Average returns were lowest from November plantings. Highest average returns resulted from either September or October plantings, depending upon location. Because of the variability in yield and differences in levels of risk aversion by farmers, no single planting date strategy can be recommended for all farmers. For the prices which prevailed during the time in which the study was conducted, and the technology used, the no-till system evaluated was not economically competitive with the conventional till system. Differences in productivity over time, which may result from differences in soil erosion, and the environmental consequences, which may result from differences in chemical use, were not considered.