Harvest moving toward High Plains

With wheat harvest kicking off, harvest crews are off to a great start in South Texas. Just like previous years, producers and harvesting crews are preparing to face their challenges. Thus far, harvest is looking positive. It’s interesting to see the variation of crop and weather conditions from each state. Here is a brief look at everyday experiences producers and crews are currently facing in the High Plains states.

Texas

While wheat harvest has begun in the Edward Plateau, the state experienced showers this past week, which brought approximately 6 inches of rain. With unpredictable weather, farmers were forced to bale some wheat fields into wheat hay due to a freeze. At the same time, many producers continue to irrigate wheat in the High Plains.

Thus far, 90 percent of wheat has headed out and only 3 percent has been harvested. Wheat harvest will continues in South Texas.

Oklahoma

This past week, Mother Nature brought severe storms across the state. On May 13, five tornados were confirmed followed by heavy rains. The state averaged 1.77 inches of rainfall. Temperatures across the state stayed cool due to the storms and precipitation.

Due to precipitation and cool temperatures the wheat conditions improved slightly from the previous week. Almost all winter wheat has headed out, while 52 percent has reached the soft dough stage of development.

Kansas

The eastern half of the state received moderate precipitation this past week, while the western half received a limited amount.

With moderate temperatures and precipitation, 67 percent of the wheat has headed out. Forty-four percent of the Kansas wheat crop is in good condition while insect infestation is at 79 percent. More than half of the wheat crop has no disease infestation at this time.

Colorado

The state continues to receive rainfall below average, while experiencing temperatures above average. Producers are seeing topsoil moisture diminish due to the warm, dry and windy conditions across the state. With a limited amount of rainfall, farmers are utilizing their time for spring planting and to simply get caught up.

Most of the Colorado wheat crop was reported in excellent condition. Currently, the state has only 24 percent of the crop headed out.

Nebraska

Much of the state received less than .05 inches last week, while experiencing temperatures below average. Temperatures ranged from mid-80s to below freezing in the Panhandle.

The state’s wheat crop has 64 percent in good condition, while 13 percent is in excellent condition. Currently, only 2 percent of the state’s wheat crop is headed out.

For more information e-mail crew@allaboardharvest.com. All Aboard 2009 Wheat Harvst is sponsored by High Plains Journal and DuPont Crop Protection.

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