23 Jun Northern states of High Plains expecting above average yields

While only half of the Texas wheat crop is harvested, Oklahoma has completed 63 percent of its wheat crop. Kansas began harvest last week. Colorado and Nebraska are only a few weeks away from the excitement of wheat harvest. As harvest moves north, yield averages are increasing and expected to grow above average.

Texas
The western regions of the state received up to six inches for rainfall, while the eastern regions received little to no moisture. Wheat in the Northern High Plains experienced damage from a recent severe storm that produced hail. Once the wheat was dry enough to cut, harvest continued in the northern plains of the state.
The state’s average yields have been low due to the late freeze and drought. The Northern High Plains is expecting wheat yields to average 27 bushels per acre. Production in the High Plains of Texas is forecasted at 36.5 million bushels for the 2009 wheat crop. Only 53 percent of the state’s wheat crop has been harvested thus far.

Oklahoma
The state received hot and windy weather conditions last week allowing wheat to dry out for harvest. Temperatures exceeded 100 degrees in many parts of the state. Much of the state received 0.36 inches of precipitation, while the Panhandle received 1.21 inches.
Producers in southwestern Oklahoma averaged yields at 10 bushels per acre, while central Oklahoma producers received yields in the low 20s. Wheat in northern Oklahoma produced yield averages of 30 to 35 bushels per acre. Some wheat crops were reported producing over 60 bushels per acre. Sixty-three percent of the state’s wheat crop has been harvested to date.

Kansas
Western Kansas received light to moderate precipitation, while eastern regions of the state received heavy amounts of rainfall. The state’s average yields are projected at 40 bushels per acre, while only 5 percent of the state’s wheat crop has been harvested. Kansas is projected to produce 340 million bushels—down from 356 million bushels produced from last year.

Colorado
The state experienced warmer temperatures resulting in an increase of crop development.
The state’s winter wheat crop was reported at 64 percent turning color, with 7 percent ripe. Most of the state’s wheat crop is in good condition. Among the nation’s top 10 winter wheat producing states, Colorado is forecasted to have a 29 percent increase in its wheat crop this season than a year ago.

Nebraska
Last week the state received warmer temperatures and moderate amounts of precipitation, which helped advance crop growth across the state. Almost half the state’s wheat crop is turning color with wheat harvest harvested to begin next week in the southeast. Producers in the Panhandle expect to begin harvest by mid July. Seventy-four percent of the wheat crop is in good to excellent condition. The state expected yields to average 42 bushels per acre and will harvest 1.60 million bushels this season.

South Dakota
Rain and hail were reported in a few counties early in the week. The end of the week brought warmer temperatures to help crop development. Winter wheat is 88 percent headed, while 4 percent is turning color. Yield averages for the 2009 wheat crop is forecasted at 35 bushels per acre.

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