June 30, 2011

Kansas' wheat harvest progress delays

Harvest progress in north central Kansas is being impeded by persistent rain and humidity over the weekend.

In Scott County, nearly all the dryland wheat is cut, according to Kansas Wheat Commissioner Rich Randall. In general, the wheat northwest of Scott City has been good due to timely rains. South of town, yields have been disappointing due to drought and hail. Crop quality has been very good, with test weights averaging over 60 pounds per bushel and yields ranging from 30 bushels per acre on up to 60 bushels per acre. Randall said the varieties Jagalene and T158 are the region's top performers.

Frontier Ag Inc. in WaKeeney has taken in 500,000 bushels of wheat since harvest began a little over a week ago, according to manager Tim Miller. Test weights have been averaging 62 pounds per bushel and protein about 12.4%. Yields range from 15-60 and average 37 bushels per acre. Miller said in another three days, harvest will be 80% complete in Trego County.

Harvest is about 50% complete in Clay County, according to Tom Stewart, manager of the Farmway Co-op location there. Stewart said that despite high temperatures during the grainfill period, the area has high-quality wheat, averaging over 60 pounds per bushel test weight and protein values about 12. Yields commonly range from 30-50 bushels per acre, with an average of about 40 bushels per acre. Stewart said that Clay County farmers will harvest an average crop overall.

Randy Hiltgen, manager of United Farmers Co-op in Washington, said 20,000 bushels of wheat have been taken in so far. Harvest progress in Washington County has been slow due to rains that passed through the area this past weekend. Test weights are averaging 58 pounds per bushel with yields ranging from 20-60 bushels per acre. Hiltgen said if rain showers stay away, harvest could finish in about 10 days.