Southern Plains wheat harvest continues

Last week’s wheat harvesting in the Southern Plains produced better-than-expected yields, according to Vice President of U.S. Custom Harvesters Paul Paplow.
Paplow reported Walters, Oklahoma, yields were averaging just under 40 bushels per acre.
During a June 19 interview, Paplow said, “In Kiowa, (Kansas), we have lost about a third of our acres that were zeroed out because of drought, but what we have combined has been in between the 30- and 40-bushel range.”
Making his way toward Pratt, Kansas, he said, “I probably have about four days left in Kiowa; We probably have close to a week left in Anthony. Timewise, I’d say we are pretty close to normal in the time frame. I’d say as we get to western Kansas, we are going to be a little bit later than normal.”
After some recent rains, Paplow believes he may be dealing with some muddy fields which may slow down the harvest.
“Hopefully, it is not any worse than I expect, and we can still move and be efficient,” he said.
Across the country, Paplow said everything he has cut so far has trended better conditions and quality than expected.