2019 Kansas Wheat Quality
Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service
Preliminary data for the 2019 crop year from 13,780 carlot samples from 48 counties showed an average test weight of 61.0 pounds per bushel, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service and Kansas Grain Inspection Service, Inc. For comparison purposes, last year's crop averaged 60.6 pounds, while the 10-year average was 60.8 pounds per bushel.
Protein content averaged 11.5 percent, down 0.8 percentage point from 2018, and below the 10-year average of 12.2. The Northeast District had the highest protein content at 12.2 percent, followed by the North Central District at 12.1 percent. Statewide, moisture content averaged 11.6 percent, above 11.4 percent last year and the 10-year average of 11.2.
Samples of wheat grading No. 1, at 77 percent, were up from 71 percent last year. Twenty-one percent graded No. 2, compared to 27 percent in 2018, and 2 percent graded No. 3 or below. Wheat samples averaged 0.5 percent damaged kernels, up 0.2 percentage point from 2018 and the 10-year average of 0.3 percent. Samples tested had 0.1 percent foreign material on average, unchanged from last year, and equal to the 10-year average. Shrunken and broken kernels averaged 1.1 percent, down 0.2 percentage point from 2018, and 0.1 percentage point below the 10-year average. Total defects averaged 1.6 percent, unchanged from 2018, and equal to the 10-year average. Average dockage for all samples was 0.5 percent, equal to last year.
There were 1,174 samples voluntarily submitted for inspection in the 2019 crop year. The test weight for these samples averaged 60.7 pounds per bushel, protein averaged 11.4 percent and moisture content averaged 11.9 percent. Sixty-four percent of the submitted samples graded No.1, 25 percent graded No. 2 and 11 percent graded No. 3 or below.
This is the only wheat quality release for the 2019 wheat harvest. Test weight, protein content, grade and defect samples are representative of wheat samples moving in commercial rail cars and truck lots as tested by Kansas Grain Inspection Service, Inc. The data are summarized by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Collection and publication services are funded by the Kansas Wheat Commission.