HRS Harvest Ahead of Normal, But Still Lacking

By CnAgri2012-08-01 19:46:01 Print

While most of the region received scattered precipitation in varying amounts last week, warm, dry conditions were the norm allowing for good harvest progress of the spring wheat crop. The U.S. HRS crop is about 28 percent harvested compared to 3 percent on average. In South Dakota, 82 percent has been harvested, followed by Minnesota at 52 percent, North Dakota at 26 percent and Montana at 4 percent. Weather conditions for the current week look to be mostly dry with higher than average temperatures which should continue to allow harvest progress.

Yield and quality reports on the early harvested crop are showing above average yields, strong test weights and higher than average protein. The Wheat Quality Council completed their spring wheat tour last week through North Dakota, western Minnesota and northern South Dakota and calculated an average spring wheat yield of 44.9 bushels per acre, compared to the tour estimate of 41.5 last year and the final actual yield of 30.5. Producer harvest reports indicate yields mainly in the 40-60 bushel per acre range on the early crop. Some of the later crop was likely affected by the hot conditions and some lower yields may be seen. Reported protein levels have ranged anywhere from 13.5 to 17 percent protein and test weights have been well over 60 pounds per bushel. Yield and quality reports will likely change as harvest progresses further along.

The Northern Durum harvest is underway with 14 percent of the North Dakota crop and one percent of the Montana crop harvested. Crop condition ratings increased in North Dakota with 72 percent of the crop rated in good to excellent condition, up from 59 percent last week. In Montana crop condition ratings remained stable with 60 percent rated in good to excellent condition. No initial yield reports for durum have come in, but the Wheat Quality Council did scout some durum fields last week, coming up with an average of 42.4 bushels per acre.