The wheat harvest has started in southern Kansas and with a generally rain-free forecast this week, more combines are expected to be rolling statewide.
The Kansas Wheat Commission and the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers said harvest started last week, earlier than normal, because the wheat has matured early and farmers wanted to get ahead of expected weekend thunderstorms.
Early reports said that yields overall were better than expected in the area. Although the first quarter of the year was very dry, recent rainfall has helped with grain fill, and this year’s crop is looking to be much better than last year’s dismal crop. Initial reports of test weights are 62 to 63 pounds per bushel, and proteins are averaging 11 to 12 percent.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated the Kansas crop at 267.9 million bushels in its May 1 forecast. Last year’s Kansas wheat harvest resulted in 201.25 million bushels, with abandonment at 29 percent, the highest since 1951.
Wheat crop conditions in Kansas as of June 2 were 34 percent poor to very poor, 32 percent fair and 34 percent good to excellent. Mature was 25%, well ahead of 1% both last year and average.
