While we live in the “Last Best Place”, is it possible that when it comes to harvesting the worst gets cut first? In this case, I think the earliest cut winter wheat might be slightly higher protein and lower test weight than what will be cut in a few more days. Regardless, producers are “going like mad,” says Frank Schoonover in Dutton MT.
Yield and Test Weight
Early reports suggest yields ranging from 40-50 bu/ac in the central part of the triangle and in the southern part of the triangle seeing 55-60 bu/ac. Warhorse is yielding well in sawfly-infested areas, with mixed reviews on Bobcat so far. Test weights are in the 59–62-pound range.
Protein
Some producers are seeing a wide range in the field anywhere from 10-12% Protein. In the dryer production areas showing in the high 12’s range. My prediction is we will have an available shipment of 11.5’s, 12’s, and 12.5’s. The elevators will do a great job of blending and finding those higher protein pockets to keep our average where it needs to be.
Seen at the State Grain Lab
Kari Schiller took some photos of the new crop. So far, they have only seen 9 samples, which indicates to me a positive quality coming off the combine. Usually, samples that come into the lab are in question of quality. Of the 9 samples graded, protein is at 11.22% and test weights are at 62.8 Lbs.
