Wheat Crop Remains Ahead Of Schedule

Rain has halted wheat harvest progress in parts of Texas and Oklahoma, but was welcomed as portions of the area are still in need of moisture. Overall, the wheat crop remains ahead of schedule and has been reporting above average yields in places.

Texas – Portions of South and West Texas received up to six inches of rain last week while other areas only received scattered showers. Wheat and oats are being green chopped or baled for hay, and many grain producers have began harvesting or are preparing for harvest. Several who have started to harvest have reported above average yields. The High Plains is seeing irrigated wheat in good condition, while dryland wheat remains in need of moisture. In North Texas harvest was on hold due to rainy conditions.

Oklahoma – Harvest continues to progress, but weekend rain showers stopped combines in southwestern Oklahoma. Wheat in the Panhandle is still in need of rain, although the state received rain in portions of South Central and Southwest districts. Cooler temperatures in the mid to low sixties have continued to halt harvest. Conditions have been rated mostly good, and 80 percent of wheat heading is in soft dough stage—44 points ahead of t he five year average.

Kansas – All districts in Kansas have at least some wheat turning color as the crop progresses an estimated three weeks ahead of schedule. Ninety-eight percent of the wheat is headed, well above the 55 percent from last year, and the five-year average of 46 percent. Wheat in the South Central and Southeast districts are already at 50 percent turning color. Precipitation is not expected in many districts causing the condition to decline slightly, however 84 percent is rated fair or better.

Nebraska – Jointed wheat was at 95 percent, ahead of last year’s 67 percent average. Headed wheat is at 52 percent. The impact of freezing temperatures in the northern Panhandle is still unknown. Cool and dry conditions have slowed the advancement of disease in the South Central and Southeast districts. Wheat conditions are rated 97 percent fair or better.

Colorado – Winter wheat continues to progress and has increased to 98 percent jointed and 64 percent headed. Three percent is beginning to turn color, and most of the crop is rated good to fair condition.

South Dakota – Winter wheat is 76 percent boot and 14 percent headed. Ninety-six percent of spring wheat is emerged, and nine percent in the booth stage.

Updates courtesy of USDA. For more information contact crew@allaboardharvest.com. All Aboard Wheat Harvest is sponsored by High Plains Journal and Syngenta.

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