29 Jun Hot, dry weather keeps combines rolling

Several states are up and running as hot, dry and windy weather aided the progression of wheat harvest. Other states, however, are still experiencing hindering weather that has not only delayed harvest, but damaged crops. Overall the wheat crop still rates fair to good throughout wheat country.  

Kansas – Weather across the Sunflower State allowed for the progression of wheat harvest, with temperatures reaching triple digits in several areas. Eighty-four percent of wheat across the state has reached maturity, and harvest is 55-percent complete.

Oklahoma – Extreme heat spread across Oklahoma last week, with brief rain showers providing slight relief to southern areas of the state. Significant progress was made as 85 percent of wheat is harvested, ahead of the normal pace.

Texas – Some areas of Texas have, to some extent, been delayed due to rainfall. Some areas in the Low Plains, the Cross Timbers and the Edwards Plateau, are nearing harvest completion. Wheat across the state is rated fair to good.

Colorado – Temperatures were average across Colorado. Winter wheat continues to turn color; 68 percent is reported turned while 21 percent is reported ripe and eight percent was harvested. This year’s wheat crop does remain slightly behind the pace for a typical year. Spring wheat is 41-percent headed, and six percent beginning to turn color.

Missouri – Wheat harvest is 64-percent complete, somewhat ahead of typical years. Four consecutive weeks of wet conditions have caused wheat quality in the northern third of the state to be very poor. Wheat across the remainder of the state was rated good to fair.

Nebraska – A few wheat fields in the southeast area of the state have been harvested, but overall wheat turning color is 71-percent complete. The wheat conditions rate six-percent poor, 21-percent fair, 62-percent good, and nine-percent excellent.

Minnesota – While heat prevailed in the southern regions of the wheat belt, severe weather stuck around in the northern areas. Minnesota wheat producers dealt with hail, high rain and winds, and tornadoes. Despite the weather, 73 percent of spring wheat was headed, while 85 percent rated good to excellent.

South Dakota – More rain plagued South Dakota last week, but spring wheat continues to make progress. Eighty-eight percent of spring wheat is booted. Winter wheat is 95-percent headed, consistent with most years.

Wyoming – Warmer temperatures through Wyoming allowed for the wheat crop to continue progressing. However, three locations had temperatures drop to freezing, while other areas had temperatures reaching into the 90s. All small grains show at least a 10-point increase in percentage in the headed stage.

For more information contact crew@allaboardharvest.com. All Aboard 2010 Wheat Harvest is sponsored by High Plains Journal and DuPont Crop Protection.