Kansas wheat harvest report

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This is Day 2 of the 2014 Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and Kansas Grain and Feed Association.

During the day on Wednesday, June 18, harvest has commenced in nearly all of southern Kansas, from Hamilton to Cherokee counties. In the central part of the state it even progressed northward to just shy of the Nebraska border. Farmers are seeing lower than normal yields statewide, along with a higher protein content than usual.

Alex Gerard, representative of Gavilon Grain, reports a variety of yields from the coop’s multiple locations. According to Gerard, the Gavilon locations are reporting anywhere between 15-35 bushels per acre. While their yields may be lacking, the test weights are holding in at about 58-62 pounds per bushel. Without rain in the area, Gerard estimates that harvest would wrap up in about a week, but Mother Nature may have other plans with expected rains later this week.

Gerard said, “Last year, starting day was like a sprint, but this year we are gearing up for a marathon.”

Mark Paul, the general manager of Cloud County Coop Elevator Association, says that the farmers in his area are also suffering from a wide variety of low yields. The test weights in the area are an average of 60 pounds. Paul says that the wheat from his area is suffering both from freeze and drought damage. While last year was a good quality crop for Cloud County Coop, Paul says that this year’s crop is not the quality that he would like to see.

Gary Millershaski, a farmer from Kearny County and president of the Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, is one of the few farmers statewide who is reporting an equal, or slightly better crop than last year. Millershaski said “Last year was the worst crop of my entire career. This one may be as bad, but it could end up being a bit better.” His yields so far are in the 12-18 bushels per acre range. While so far it is looking like a good quality crop, he couldn’t report on the test weight.

Jim Michael, a farmer from Crawford County and KAWG Director, reports a good quality crop weighing in at around 60-61 pounds per bushel. He has harvested both Everest and WB-Cedar varieties and both are performing well for him. Michael estimates that there will be cutting in the area for around 10 days to two weeks.

The 2014 Harvest Report is brought to you by Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers and Kansas Grain and Feed Association.