The Oklahoma wheat harvest gained some ground last week, but widespread rains across the state have since brought fieldwork to a crawl, according to Paragon Ag News Director Jimmy Clark.
Producers and custom harvesters are still entering fields where they can, but high humidity is forcing late starts and slower progress. The Oklahoma Wheat Commission currently estimates the harvest is about 30 percent complete.
Despite the weather setbacks, test weights are holding steady in most regions. Some fields in southwest and central Oklahoma have reported slight drops, but the majority of harvested wheat is still testing above 60 pounds per bushel as of Friday evening.
Yields are varying widely, ranging from 30 to 50 bushels per acre, largely depending on field management. Protein levels are also showing variation, generally falling between 10.5 and 11.4 percent. However, standout fields in south-central and central Oklahoma have seen protein readings as high as 13.7 percent.
Harvesters are now watching the skies, hoping for drier conditions to finish out the season.
