Harvest commenced earlier than in 1999 due to warm May temperatures, which shortened the grain filling period and accelerated ripening. The very dry weather has been well suited for harvest activity. North central Texas and southwest Oklahoma data are reported here. Falling numbers are in the 350 to 460 second range. Some harvesting was underway in south central and southwest Kansas.
Anecdotal information suggests test weight and moisture are in the same range as reported above.
No protein reports have been received from Kansas so far. Other NASS data of interest is crop condition. However, continued showers and thunderstorms are expected to prevail in the coming week across much of the central and southern Great Plains, where wheat is either ripening or fully mature at this point in the year. Less moisture and firm soil have helped harvest progress in the lower Midwest, where reportedly little to no deterioration has occurred in overall wheat quality. Newswire sources indicate spring wheat is beginning to head in some areas of the northern Plains, while most of the crop remains in the joint to boot stage of development.