Hayden on Harvest: South Texas wheat yields disappoint amid wet weather delays
Heavy rain, severe weather threats and intense weed pressure brought another difficult stretch for a custom harvesting crew working wheat fields in South Texas.
The crew, documenting Day 16 of harvest operations, spent the day attempting to cut thin wheat stands while monitoring forecasts calling for hail and additional rain. Weather concerns eventually forced the team to stop operations and begin preparing equipment to return to Central Texas.
The wheat crop showed inconsistent yields, with some fields producing an estimated 5 to 15 bushels per acre, according to comments made during the harvest update. Several fields also suffered from significant weed pressure that repeatedly plugged combines, grain carts and unloading systems.
Operators said wet weeds created major harvest challenges, including blocked choppers and grain bins that would not unload properly. In some cases, crews had to manually rake material into unloading augers to empty combines.
“We are officially done for the day,” the operator said after storms moved through the area. “Nothing ever normal is happening so far in this harvest season.”
The harvest crew decided to leave approximately 120 acres remaining in South Texas after determining additional rain would likely delay fieldwork for an extended period. Another custom harvesting operation is expected to finish the remaining acres once field conditions improve.
Crew members said the decision was driven by business realities and worsening field conditions following more than 2 inches of rain.
The update also highlighted the impact of hail damage across parts of the region. The operator referenced previously damaged wheat fields described as total losses following earlier storms.
Mechanical issues added to the difficult harvest conditions. One combine experienced engine derating and communication fault warnings while moving between fields. Although the issue temporarily resolved itself, operators suspected an electrical problem.
Despite the setbacks, the crew prepared equipment for transport back to Central Texas, where they hope to resume wheat harvest before additional weed growth and rainfall affect crop quality there as well.
