According to the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, Mike Schulte, Oklahoma wheat harvest has started in multiple locations in Southwest Oklahoma over the weekend, with the wheat being 10 days ahead of normal schedule. It has been reported that over 100,000 bushels was received between locations at Grandfield and Devol. Trucks have also been received at Frederick. Early cutting has also started around Temple, Walters and Chattanooga. Test cutting has taken place around Altus with some producers hoping to start this afternoon(Monday).
Early reports in all locations show test weights ranging from 60 to 63 lbs. per bushel. (The wheat reported at 60 lbs. per bushel was at a higher moisture level, so producers are hopeful as moisture goes down test weights will still go up.)
Proteins ranging from 11.1% to 12.5% with more of the proteins on early cuttings being reported in the 11.9% to 12.5% range. Early yields being reported at 40 to 45 bushels per acre. Higher yields are predicted on intensively managed wheat. Keep in mind this region has been considered the bright spot of the state for growing conditions this year. The state has received a large amount of hail damage in South Central, Oklahoma last night with large amounts of hail damage in other regions of Southwest Oklahoma and Northern Oklahoma over the past two weeks. A more comprehensive report will be published on Thursday, May 23, 2024.
