Laura: Father’s Day packing the heat

Oklahoma—The heat wave continues and was the gift that kept on giving yesterday for Father’s Day. Temperatures have been hovering near 100 degrees. The faucet in the sky has turned off and the winds have picked up.  Wheat is ripening at a very rapid pace northward. Harvest is moving full speed ahead and we’re doing our best to keep up.

The heat and winds have allowed us to roll though the acres. After initially waiting out the rain for days and days, I think it’s safe to say, the crew are truly “harvesters” now. They’re experiencing long days and are starting to work through all the nuances that come with this profession. Daily logistics, learning to be flexible, servicing, occasional repairs, and a lesson in tow rope usage have all come into play.

 

Not the scene we like to make a habit of, but an unfortunate reality of the conditions on this day. (Photo by Ryan Haffner.)

Speaking of heat, below is a picture of UNL’s drought tracker. To follow along or latest news and updates, click this hyperlink for more details from the university’s site.

Because of the widespread drought, one of the questions I receive most often is, “What are the yields?” In regions of the western half of Oklahoma, we have seen below average yields, through no fault of the farmers. Southern Oklahoma averaged around twenty bushels per acre but had solid proteins in the 60s. One ticket even showed 15.6% protein. Yields improved a bit further north at around 30 bushels per acre. Test weights were also in the 60s, but protein was a little lower around 12. At this time, final stats haven’t been completed for our other Oklahoma location.

Within the next 24 hours, give or take, all crews should be in or making their way to Kansas.

Little Man lending a hand in the field. (Photo by Ryan Haffner.)

Loading a header first thing in the morning. (Photo by Ryan Haffner.)

About to head to the next stop. (Photo by Ryan Haffner.)

Laura Haffner can be reached at laura@allaboardharvest.com.

All Aboard Wheat Harvest is brought to you by ITC Holdings, CASE IH, Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children, US Custom Harvesters Inc., Unverferth Mfg. Co. Inc., Lumivia CPL by Corteva Agriscience, Kramer Seed Farms, and High Plains Journal.

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