The wheat harvest in Kansas has expanded to cover nearly half of the state, according to the Kansas Wheat website. As per the harvest reports on Day 2, combines were in action as far north as Lincoln County. Wichita, Kansas is the hub of this activity.
According to Doug Zeller, a grain merchandiser at the Scoular Grain elevator in Wellington, many farmers are achieving impressive yields and protein levels. The average test weight is around 62 to 63 pounds per bushel, and the protein content remains stable at 11 to 12.5%.
According to Kansas Wheat, he stated that this year has exceeded expectations in both aspects. He noted that higher yields usually result in lower protein and test weights, but surprisingly, this year has proven otherwise.
Near South Haven, Tim Turk is a farmer who has begun wheat harvesting a week earlier than usual. He has been able to yield between 40 and 70 bushels per acre, with test weights reaching 62 pounds per bushel and protein levels between 10-12%. Turk is particularly satisfied with the performance of the AP Prolific, AP18 AX, AP24 AX, and Bob Dole varieties.
Turek expressed amazement at the progress made in wheat genetics over the past several years, as it has resulted in an incredible recovery from the whirlwind weather this year. According to him, the wheat of today is much hardier and more resilient than when he was a child, and he attributes this to the advancements in genetics. He stated that there is no comparison to last year, and he is pleasantly surprised by the recovery that has taken place.
The Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports are a collaborative initiative by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, and the Kansas Cooperative Council.
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