According to the USDA Crop Progress Report for the week ending July 15 topsoil moisture supplies rated 3 percent very short, 18 short, 74 adequate and 5 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 4 percent very short, 19 short, 75 adequate and 2 surplus. Winter wheat condition rated 5 percent very poor, 7 poor, 24 fair, 47 good and 17 excellent. Winter wheat harvested was 62 percent, behind last year’s 79 but ahead of the 51 average.
In the northern Panhandle, producers said much of the region received rain, and parts of the region received hail. As much as 2.5 inches of rain fell in some areas. Producers are still evaluating exact damage from the recent hail but reports of downed wheat and stripped corn had some speculating it could be extensive in areas. Prior to the rain, up to 30 percent of the region had been harvested. Yields ranged from 25 to 80 bushels per acre dryland, with most fields averaging in the 40s. Test weights ranged from 60 to 62. Proteins ranged from 9 to 13. Producers anticipate both protein and test weights on wheat waiting to be harvested will have dropped with the precipitation.
In the southern Panhandle, the eastern portion of the region ranged from 60 to 100 percent complete depending on planting dates and varieties. The western portion of the region averaged 40 to 60 percent harvested. The region as a whole received significant moisture producers said, with rainfall totals ranging from .25 inches to 5 inches. No reports of hail were received. With rain in the forecast again, producers anticipate it will be the end of the week or weekend before combines start rolling again. Prior to the rain, yields for the region ranged from 10 to 70 bushels per acre, with lower yields occurring in fields that had been hailed on earlier in the season. Average yields were in the upper 30s to low 50s. Test weights ranged from 58 to 62. Proteins ranged from 9 to 14 with most averaging from 10 to 11. Producers expect test weights to be lower in fields harvested following the recent rains.
In southwestern Nebraska, producers reported rainfall ranging from 1 to 3.5 inches in the a week ago. No significant hail was reported. Producers say the region is 90 percent harvested, with most fields waiting to be cut on irrigated ground or later-planted areas. Yields for the region ranged from 30 to 80 bushels per acre, with most fields averaging in the 40s. Test weights for the region ranged from 59 to 64 pounds, with most averaging at 61. Protein for the region ranged from 9 to 14.5.
Producers in south central Nebraska said the region is finished with harvest. Yields ranged from 40 to 70 bushels per acre. Test weights ranged from 60 to 62 pounds. The region did receive nearly 2 inches of rain in the last week, but most of it fell after harvest was finished.
Southeastern Nebraska’s wheat harvest is complete. The region averaged yields in the mid 30s (drought stress during spring), protein in the 11s and 12s, and test weights of 60 pounds.
The Eastern Central portion of Nebraska reported harvest nearly complete. Average yields were in the 50s, with reported yields as high as 79 bushels per acre. Test weights for the region ranged from 56 to 62 pounds. Protein ranged from 12 to 14.
