Wheat Protein Up but Test Weight Down from 2022

Preliminary data for the 2023 Kansas winter wheat crop show an average test weight of 60.6 pounds per bushel. This compares to 61.0 pounds per bushel for the 2022 crop and an average of 60.7 pounds per bushel for the 2013 through 2022 crops. A total of 4,914 carlot samples were tested from 46 counties across Kansas. Of the total samples tested, the largest shares came from the Central and West Central Districts. Samples for the 2023 crop were taken from June 12, 2023 to August 11, 2023. Samples for the 2022 crop were taken from June 8, 2022 to August 11, 2022.

Protein content averages 13.0%, up 1.0% from last year, and up 1.1% from the 10-year average of 11.9%. The South Central District has the highest protein content at 13.4%, followed by the North Central District at 13.3%. Protein content is expressed on a 12% moisture basis. Statewide, moisture content averages 11.6%, above 10.9% last year and the 10-year average of 11.3%.

Samples of wheat grading No. 1, at 62%, are down from 80% last year. Samples grading No. 2 are 35%, up from 19% last year. Samples grading No. 3 or below are 3%.

Wheat samples average 0.5% damaged kernels, up 0.1% from last year, and the 10-year average. Samples tested have 0.1% foreign material on average, unchanged from last year, and equal to the 10-year average. Shrunken and broken kernels average 1.1%, down 0.1% from last year and the 10-year average. Total defects average 1.7%, unchanged from last year but up 0.1% from the 10-year average. Average dockage for all samples is 0.6%, up 0.1% from last year.

There were 654 samples voluntarily submitted for inspection in the 2023 crop year. The test weight for these samples averages 59.3 pounds per bushel, protein averages 13.1% and moisture content averages 12.4%. Of the total submitted samples, 36% grade No.1, 44% grade No. 2 and 20% grade No. 3 or below.

Test weight, protein content, grade and defect samples are representative of wheat moving in commercial rail cars and truck lots (truckloads converted to carlot equivalents). Summarized data include old crop and new crop wheat moving from first point of sale, and inspected by Kansas Grain Inspection Service, Inc. The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service summarizes all data for the Kansas Wheat Quality report. The Kansas Wheat Commission funds collection and publication services. Final numbers for the 2023 Kansas winter wheat crop, including wheat quality, top-planted varieties, acreage, and production, will be available in the Kansas Wheat History report to be released in October.