Oklahoma’s wheat harvest is about 35% complete, according to the latest information provided by the state wheat commission.
The harvest continues to move along in different areas depending on rain amounts and when producers can get into the fields.
More progress has been made along the Interstate 35 corridor up into Kansas on early cuttings, with producers just getting started in the Goltry/Helena areas, and Burlington/Alva regions of north-central and northwestern Oklahoma. No harvest has been reported at elevator locations from Shattuck into the Panhandle regions of Balko and Hooker.
It is thought some dryland harvest might begin in the Panhandle region over the weekend or the beginning of next week. A large amount of the dryland wheat in the Panhandle has been terminated and will not be harvested due to the severe drought. In southern Oklahoma, test weights at most locations are still falling in the ranges of 60-62 pounds per bushel.
In central and west-central regions, test weights are ranging from 58-60 pounds per bushel. Early reports from northern Oklahoma have test weights ranging from 60-62 pounds per bushel.
Yields on wheat being taken in as harvest progresses in southern Oklahoma are still favorable at this point. Most are reporting 30-40 bushel per acre yields in southern Oklahoma. In central Oklahoma, the yields are ranging from the low 20s to mid 30s with better wheat being reported in the Greenfield and Hinton areas. No yields have been reported from elevator managers in the northern Oklahoma as most locations are just getting started.
Some producers are mentioning yields to be ranging in the low 20s to low 40s depending on location. Early reports show the wheat to be faring better along the northern I-35 corridor than wheat in northwest Oklahoma west of Highway 81.
Protein has been ranging from 10.5%-13.5% in most locations with stronger proteins overall. The state average for protein is being figured at 12.1%.