Farmers are concerned about possible winterkill in the winter wheat crop from last week’s subzero temperatures. Ideal, South Dakota producer Bryan Jorgenson says it’s too early to assess the damage to stands, but he fears the worst with South Dakota’s crop last rated only 32-percent good to excellent.

He says the winter wheat crop was in poor shape last fall when it went into dormancy and that increased the likelihood of winter kill during last week’s cold snap.

Jorgenson says the obvious signs of damage are patches that don’t green up when the crop breaks dormancy in a few weeks. At that time farmers may have to make some tough decisions about replant options.

He says it may be more tempting to destroy winter wheat acres this year with the profitability of other crops like corn and soybeans.