01-07-2025
USDA: Wheat harvest in Kansas halfway complete
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Kansas' wheat harvest is just over halfway complete.
According to Day 6 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Report, some farmers are still dealing with the effects of the recent heavy rainfall, with delayed progress and muddy fields; however, they are continuing to make progress.
Statewide, 53% of the wheat crop has been harvested. At this time last year, 76% was complete. Still, the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service says this year's pace is close to the five-year average of 56%. Winter wheat conditions were rated 24% poor to very poor, 28% fair, and 48% good to excellent.
In south-central Kansas and along the I-135 corridor, excessive rain has made harvesting mature wheat especially difficult.
In Edwards County, farmer Danny Hattrup began cutting around June 17. Now, about two-thirds of the way finished, he hopes to wrap up within a week. Rain delays and muddy spots have slowed progress. So far, his fields are yielding around 50 bushels per acre, with a test weight of 59 pounds per bushel, slightly below average. Hattrup planted two wheat varieties this season; both are performing similarly.
In Scott County, Scott Coop reported that its first wheat load arrived on June 20. Brinlee McNary, a grain merchandiser for the company, said spring rains helped the wheat in the area get a strong start, and the elevator has now received about 40% of its expected volume.
Yields in the area are ranging from 40 to 80 bushels per acre, trending slightly above average. Protein levels have ranged from 7% to 15%, averaging just under 12%.
McNary said one of the challenges this season, aside from the wet conditions, has been the presence of wheat streak mosaic virus, which has impacted some of the fields in the area.
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