Wheat harvest is 'no comparison' to last year

The Kansas wheat harvest is now stretched across almost half of Kansas. The Kansas Wheat website shows that on Tuesday, Day 2 of its harvest reports, combines were rolling as far north as Lincoln County.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct a spelling error.

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) -- The Kansas wheat harvest is now stretched across almost half of Kansas. The Kansas Wheat website shows that on Tuesday, Day 2 of its harvest reports, combines were rolling as far north as Lincoln County.

A lot of farmers are getting excellent yields and proteins. Grain merchandiser Doug Zeller at the Scoular Grain elevator in Wellington said test weights are averaging 62 to 63 pounds per bushel, and proteins are staying steady at 11 to 12.5%.

“This year is much better than expected on both spectrums,” he told Kansas Wheat. “With higher yields, we typically see lower protein and test weights. This year, that isn’t the case.”

Tim Turek farms near South Haven. He started cutting wheat at least a week earlier than usual. His yields have ranged from 40 bushels to above 70 bushels per acre. Test weights are hitting 62 pounds per bushel, with proteins between 10-12%. He has been especially pleased with the AP Prolific, AP18 AX, AP24 AX and Bob Dole varieties.

“There is no comparison to last year,” Turek said, “Honestly, I can’t believe the recovery we’ve had with the whirlwind weather this year. You have to attribute it to the progress of the genetics over the past several years because when I was a kid, wheat wouldn’t have survived what this wheat has been through.”

Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports are a joint effort of the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.