South Dakota winter wheat harvest starts strong as corn awaits rain

South Dakota’s winter wheat harvest is off to a better-than-expected start, with early yields and test weights running strong even as corn growers wait on timely rain, grain handlers and farmers in the state said.

Yields of 50 to 80 bushels per acre are common so far, with test weights well above 60 pounds and variable protein, said Kevin Kjorsvik, general manager of Oahe Grain in central South Dakota. USDA reported 19% of the state’s winter wheat harvested, ahead of the average pace, and the update follows slow winter wheat progress across four U.S. states a week earlier.

Southeast South Dakota farmer Chet Edinger, nearly finished with his wheat, said his all-farm average will run above Actual Production History. One local grower tied a personal record after a heavy spring fertility program, he added, with cool weather and late rains helping build yield.

Corn is the bigger question. USDA rated 17% of the state’s corn silking, ahead of average, with 64% of the crop in good-to-excellent condition and soybeans at 63%. Growers say hot days and warm nights are burning through soil moisture at pollination, and a timely rain over the next week to 10 days will be decisive for yield potential.

Source: Brownfield Ag News