July 3, 2024

According to the Texas Crop and Weather Report, wheat harvest in the Rolling Plains has finished with average yields. Wheat harvest in the South Plains district was ending and yields were above expected levels. The Panhandle district received scattered showers, but hot and dry conditions quickly dried up any moisture. The wheat harvest continued in some areas. In the North district, Corn and soybeans did well and were maturing quickly while winter wheat harvest was nearly complete. Some areas reported poor wheat and oat quality.

Panhandle grain handlers reported harvest in the region is above 90 percent complete. Dryland yields have been variable with 35 bushels per acre being at the high end. Yields and test weights were slightly lower in the southwest corner of the panhandle compared to other areas. Test weights have ranged from 58 to 60 and protein levels are averaging 12 percent. Reports from irrigated fields continue to be strong with average yields in the 80s. The 7-day forecast includes chances for rain but most expect harvest to wrap up quickly.

July 1, 2024

According to the Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report, hot and dry conditions caused cropland to dry out quickly in parts of the state. Rainfall ranged from trace amounts up to 4 inches, with the Northern High Plains and South East Texas receiving the most rain. Winter wheat harvested reached 87 percent, up 13 points from the previous week, and up 2 points from normal.

Texas A&M AgriLife published additional variety trial results including locations for the High Plains region.

Bushland Irrigated Trial Averages: Yield: 106 || Test Weight: 60.4

Dumas Irrigated Trial Averages: Yield: 117 || Test Weight: 59.4

June 28, 2024

The bulk of harvest activity for the week occurred in the Texas Panhandle where farmers are still reporting favorable yields. Due to variability based on the timeliness of rainfall, dryland yields have ranged from 20 to 50 bushels per acre. Irrigated yields have been impressive for most coming in at 80 bushels per acre or higher. Some areas reported highly variable protein levels but region-wide averages are running close to normal around 12.5%. The Northern Panhandle reported being 85% complete while the SE Panhandle was closer to 70%. Progress was slowed in the second half of the week due to mid-week rains.

June 27, 2024

Additional Texas A&M AgriLife Variety Trial data was posted as the Rolling Plains region wrapped up harvest. In the Foard County dual purpose trial the grain yield averaged 36 bushels with a test weight of 60.9. Results from the San Angelo irrigated trial showed an average yield of 57 bushels and a test weight of 58. Individual trial data as well as the regional averages are available at varietytesting.tamu.edu/smallgrains/

June 25, 2024

According to the Texas Crop and Weather Report, wheat harvest wrapped up in West Central Texas by mid-June. Wheat showed poor test weights, and oats were not looking good in the central region. Wheat following cotton averaged 10 to 15 bushels, whereas continuous wheat ranged from 30 to some reports as high as 60 bushels. The wheat harvest in the South Plains was mostly complete. Texas A&M AgriLife agronomists estimated that some fields were likely harvested two weeks later than average because there were fewer combines in the region. Delays led to an increased risk of storm damage and lodging. The Rolling Plains region should complete the wheat harvest this week or early next week. Wheat harvest is continuing in the Panhandle region with above average yields in most areas. Protein levels and test weights have been highly variable. Winter Wheat was also being harvested in the North region with lower test weights and limited sprout.

June 24, 2024

According to the Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report, winter wheat harvested in the state reached 74 percent, up 11 points from the previous week, and up 2 points from normal.

June 21, 2024

Producers in the Blacklands continued to make slow progress with about 50-60% of the area harvested. Test weights remained low while reports of sprout had improved. Yields were down from late season prospects but holding up in some areas where wheat was still standing. Harvest was wrapping up in the Southern Plains with good quality and mostly above average yields. Dryer weather in the Rolling Plains allowed for progress on remaining wheat in the area.

Activity in the Panhandle made slow progress due to rain events during the week. Some pockets which received very heavy rainfall are now expecting a dip in test weight while others are itching to get back in fields as soon as possible. Yields across the region continue to be favorable with dryland yields ranging from 15 to 50 depending on the growing area and rainfall during the season. Irrigated yields remain high with many reports of 85 bushels or higher. Protein averages are 12 percent or higher. Harvest across the region is estimated at 60% complete.

June 18, 2024

According to the Texas Crop and Weather Report: Some areas in the Central Texas received up to 10 inches of rainfall. The wet soil conditions delayed wheat harvest and could impact yield quality and potential. Producers reported seeing kernel sprouting, shattering and severe lodging in some areas. In the Rolling Plains wheat harvest progressed well. The Panhandle received late-week showers, but evaporation rates were high due to warm daytime temperatures and full sun conditions. Silage harvest continued in late-planted wheat and triticale fields. The wheat harvest in dryland fields progressed, with combine operators waiting for moisture levels to drop before transferring grain to storage. The North District was relatively dry with scattered showers reported in one area. The drier conditions allowed fieldwork. Wheat and hay harvest began, but wheat quality was low due to the high moisture levels.

Widespread rain across the Panhandle region will delay harvest in the coming days.

June 17, 2024

According to the Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report, the crop was 63% harvested, up 8 points from the five-year average. Small grain harvest resumed across the state. In the Blacklands, some winter wheat producers observed pre-harvest sprouting.

Harvest progressed in earnest across the Panhandle and Southern Plains as farmers tried to beat weed pressure in fields. Although conditions have been variable, irrigated wheat yields have been as high as 80+ bushels per acre and dryland yields have come in above average. Test weights have ranged from 58 to 60 pounds and proteins have been 12 percent or higher.

June 14, 2024

Harvest along the I-35 corridor was making slow progress as some fields dried out. In the better-performing fields, yields have been reduced about 15-20 percent from earlier potential due to significant rainfall after maturity. Fields in worse condition may have to be abandoned and grain quality was highly variable. Further west and across the Rolling Plains, harvest was 80 percent complete. Most areas reported above average yields with some coming in slightly below expectations. Grain quality held up through harvest with test weights averaging 60 and protein coming in around 11 percent. Southern Plains wheat harvest was wrapping up as activity expanded into the Panhandle. During the week combines were rolling as far north as Perryton but widespread progress was limited due to rainfall. Early yields were promising for many dryland acres and proteins were averaging 12 percent. Significant progress is expected in the coming days before rain chances return toward the end of next week.

June 12, 2024

USDA NASS released updated crop production estimates. U.S. Winter Wheat production is forecast at 1.29 billion bushels, up 1 percent from the May estimate. Texas wheat production is estimated at 71.4 million bushels with a statewide yield average of 34 bushels per acre.

June 11, 2024

According to the Texas Crop and Weather Report: In the Central Texas Region, there was beneficial rainfall, which significantly reduced drought conditions in most areas. However, wheat heads were beginning to sprout, resulting in crop losses. In the Rolling Plains Region, wheat harvest was delayed by rain but fared well with no rust reported. Yields were high in the South Plains region for irrigated wheat grain harvest. In the Panhandle, dryland wheat was passing through final maturity stages quickly, and irrigated fields were close behind due to high daytime temperatures. Many irrigated wheat and triticale fields were harvested for silage. Many wheat fields were unable to be harvested in the North Region because they were past maturity due to wet soil conditions. Finally, in the West Central Region, wheat and oat harvest were wrapping up with few acres left in most areas.

June 10, 2024

According to the Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report, the crop was 47% harvested, up 8 points from the five-year average.

Over the weekend harvest progressed in the Panhandle region before some areas were hit with rainfall. Early dryland yields south of Amarillo were ranging 25-35 bushels per acre. Combines were running as far north as the Oklahoma border.

June 7, 2024

Difficult harvest conditions persisted for most of the Texas Blacklands and Northeast Texas regions. Very little cutting was underway with fields still extremely water logged. Some farmers were exploring adding tracks to combines to get into fields. Wheat quality across the area has been impacted with lower test weights and some instances of sprout damage. Crop insurance agents were actively working with farmers to determine harvestability of downed/damaged acres.

June 6, 2024

Texas A&M AgriLife released variety trial results for the Muenster location. 

HRWW Trial Averages: Yield: 68 || Test Weight: 60.3 || Protein: 11.4%

SRWW Trial Averages: Yield: 71.9 || Test Weight: 58.7 || Protein: 10.2%

June 5, 2024

Wheat harvest continued across the South Plains areas and was beginning to expand into the southern reaches of the Panhandle. Early wheat quality reports were favorable with protein averaging 11 percent and test weights around 61 pounds per bushel. Early harvest of more drought-stressed dryland acres saw lower yields and in some cases lighter test weights. Yields are expected to improve as more favorable fields begin harvest in the coming days.

June 4, 2024

According to the Texas Crop and Weather Report: In Central Texas, there were reports of rainfall ranging from 1-6 inches and above normal temperatures and dew points. Wheat and oats planted for grain were still in fields and were not looking good. There were unusually low wheat test weights reported in most areas. In the Rolling Plains region of Texas, wheat producers across the district were grateful for the rain but needed dry days to get harvest equipment into fields. Most areas were reporting good yields. Wheat harvest in the Panhandle was happening quickly with over 90% of fields being chopped for silage. In the North Region wet conditions caused many wheat fields to move past harvest maturity. Wheat head conditions continued to decline due to extreme rainfall. Winter wheat was grazed out and baled for hay in the Far West Region.

June 3, 2024

According to the Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report, the crop was 33% harvested, up 6 percent from the 5-year average. The crop was rated 4% excellent, 32% good, 45% fair, 10% poor and 9% very poor.

June 2, 2024

Uniform Variety Trial data for Chillicothe was posted at https://varietytesting.tamu.edu/smallgrains/. Average yield for the trial was 40 bushels per ace and average test weight was 61.

May 27 – 31, 2024

North Texas/Blacklands: Wheat is fully matured and ready for harvest but widespread rainfall and severe weather events continued to hamper progress. Hail and strong winds have impacted fields in the area with some locations receiving up to 20” of rainfall since the beginning of April. Farmers are not reporting any sprout damage but are anxious to get wheat out of the field. Yields across the region are above average while test weights are in the low to mid 50s.

Hillsboro UVT Trail: Average Yield: 46 || Average Test Weight: 53

Rolling Plains & Central Texas: The wheat harvest made significant headway in the region but was impacted mid-week by storms and rain showers. Farmers from Abilene to Vernon were nearing 80% complete with harvest. Yields in the Vernon region were favorable, with the high end topping out at 70 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 63 pounds per bushel. Region-wide yields came in between 30-50 bushels per acre.

South Plains: Across the South Plains, wheatlage and hay harvests wrapped up while grain harvest has begun across the Southern area of the region. Harvest activity should pick up pace next week in areas that missed recent rainfall.

Panhandle: Wheat was beginning to mature at a rapid rate, with some test cutting on dryland acres beginning within a week. Livestock were being moved to graze out wheat, and supplemental feeding for cattle was unnecessary. Irrigated acres across the Northern Panhandle could still be two weeks out from harvest.

South Texas: Wheat delivered to the Port of Houston continued this past week with some loads beginning to show evidence of sprout damage. Harvest in the coastal region should be drawing to a close as the few remaining fields are cut.

Sources: Texas grain elevator locations, farmers, USDA NASS and Texas A&M AgriLife Crop and Weather Report

May 24, 2024

Producers in the Throckmorton area reported yields between 15-45 bushels per acre, but harvest progress was stalled due to humidity. In Young County, harvest was 15-20% complete. Test weights were lower where rust was more severe. Yields were 25-50 bushels per acre. Producers were expecting increased harvest activity over the weekend, before forecasted rain next week.

May 22, 2024

According to the Texas Crop and Weather Report: In Central Texas, there were reports of some fields of wheat, oats, sorghum and corn damage due to flooding and hail. Wheat harvest was beginning in the Rolling Plains. In the South Plains, winter wheat harvest was expected to begin in the coming weeks. The early planted wheat was in fair condition and the later planted wheat was good and benefited from the spring showers as it was heading out. There was grain fill and maturity reported in the remaining wheat, oats or triticale in the Panhandle. In the far west region, winter wheat was baled for hay or grazed out by livestock. In the west central region, grain and forage sorghum were in good condition and several small grains including wheat were ready to be harvested as soon as the fields dry out. Wheat and oat harvests began with higher-than-normal yields reported in the southwest. In South Texas, wheat harvest was good in most areas while some activity halted due to rain.

May 21, 2024

Harvest was in full swing across South Texas, Central Texas and parts of the Rolling Plains. Loads arriving in Houston had test weights between 55-59 pounds and average protein of 12% or better. There was some localized sprout damage, but overall damage wasn’t bad considering the heavy precipitation and recent severe weather. Attebury Grain in Saginaw reported that test weights averaged 60 pounds, protein averaged 10.9% and there had been no sprout damage. While some producers were cutting wheat around Vernon, others reported that the crop wasn’t ready yet.

May 20, 2024

According to the Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report, the crop was 96% headed and 10% harvested. The crop was rated 5% excellent, 34% good, 39% fair, 15% poor and 7% very poor.

May 17, 2024

Harvest had started south of Abilene, but was halted due to rain. Very little was able to be cut, but yields were around 20 bushels per acre. Producers expected things to pick up after the weekend.

May 15, 2024

According to the Texas Crop and Weather Report: In Central Texas, one area received hail damage to corn, wheat and oat crops. Wheat continued to look good, even with excess moisture. However, the instance of lodged wheat increased with added moisture, storms and wind. In the Rolling Plains, there were varying amounts of wheat rust in a few counties due to moisture. Wheat was nearing maturity and baling was winding down. Some days of sunshine and dry skies would help allow time for producers to prepare fields for cotton and Sudan grass planting before wheat harvest begins. In the South Plains, wheat grain was in the soft dough stage and early applied spring pre-emerge was starting to break loose in irrigated ground. Some wheat was being baled or chopped for silage. In the Panhandle, some fields of headed wheat and triticale in the soft dough stage were being chopped for silage, especially those fields affected by two suspected new plant diseases that, according to observations, had been widespread. Wheat harvest begins in the next few weeks. In North Texas, some areas reported damage resulting in wheat and oat crops more than 80% destroyed. All wheat has been baled for hay or grazed out by livestock in the far west region. Winter wheat harvest will start as soon as fields dry out in the west central region. In the southwest, wheat and oat harvest should start soon, and sorghum looked good.

May 14, 2024

TEMCO in Houston reported that harvest was slowing due to rain. Loads were coming in from Knippa, Dilley and WInter Garden. Overall, quality was good. Test weights averaged 61.5 pounds and protein averaged 14.5%. There was very little damage reported, although producers in Central Texas were monitoring sprout.

May 13, 2024

According to the Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report, the crop was 88% headed and 5% harvested. The crop was rated 6% excellent, 36% good, 35% fair, 16% poor and 7% very poor.

May 10, 2024

According to the USDA May Crop Production Report, Texas winter wheat production is estimated at 71.4 million bushels, with an average yield of 34 bushels per acre on 2.1 million acres.

May 8, 2024

Producers from the Blacklands reported harvest was 3 weeks away and average to good yields were expected. In the Rolling Plains, harvest was 2-3 weeks away and the crop looked promising where stripe rust was controlled. In the Panhandle, some dryland wheat was in good condition and could have excellent yields. In other areas, dryland wheat had failed or was burning up. Harvest was ahead of schedule in the West Central Region, with Runnels County expected to harvest in the next week. Yields in that area were expected to decline from initial estimates.

May 7, 2024

According to the Texas Crop and Weather Report: In Central Texas, wind and rain caused some wheat and oats to lay down. Winter wheat was ripening and growing closer to harvest. Hessian fly infestations in wheat didn’t develop, and its absence was attributed to parasitism. In the Rolling Plains, the wheat crop looked promising but select varieties in a few areas were reporting some fungal disease. In the South Plains, wheat was being cut and hauled to local dairies, with feedlots and hay being baled when weather conditions allowed for proper dry down. Winter wheat production ranged from poor to good in the Panhandle. In North Texas, corn, sorghum and winter wheat fared well, despite the surplus of moisture. In the far west region, straw has been baled and wheat is in the drying stage. In the west central region, reports of hail and wind damage included hail impacting wheat progress, with some farms reporting wind damage from storms. Despite storm damage, wheat crops ranged from good to excellent condition. In some parts of the region, wheat and oat pastures continued to mature but most would be grazed or baled for hay. In other areas, the wheat was drying down and harvest will start soon for dryland acres with low yields expected. In South Texas, wheat and oat harvest has begun in most areas and cotton planting will be completed.

May 5, 2024

According to the NASS Texas Crop Progress and Condition Report, 75% of the crop was headed, compared to 75% last year. The crop was rated 6% excellent, 42% good, 33% fair, 13% poor and 6% very poor.

May 2, 2024

Wheat was drying down quickly in the Edwards Plateau and southern Rolling Plains. Conditions were mixed, ranging from poor to good.

May 1, 2024

Custom harvesters were cutting in Uvalde. They reported yields between 66-85 bushels per acre under pivot irrigation and dryland yields between 20-30 bushels per acre. Test weight was 63.5 pounds per bushel and moisture was 12.5%.

April 30, 2024

According to the Texas Crop and Weather Report: In Central Texas, the winds caused lodging in wheat in some areas. Small grains were grazed out, and producers cut oats and wheat that were inadequate for hay or silage. Some wheat and oats were laying over due to plentiful rains. In the Rolling Plains, many producers were cutting and baling wheat for livestock hay but there were concerns over the decreased quality of hay that was cut and rained on before it could be baled. Wheat was beginning to mature quickly, and stocker calves were being taken off wheat pasture. Wheat was starting to head out in the South Plains. Many producers pulled cattle off wheat pastures before the rain and those fields were starting to head out. In the Panhandle, overall soil conditions ranged from adequate to short, and wheat yield prospects continued to decline with above-normal temperatures and windy and dry conditions. Irrigated wheat looked good, but the dryland declined as many fields were going into heading. Wheat and warm-season grasses were all progressing well in North Texas. Wheat has been rolled for hay for livestock in the far west region. In the west central area, some baling of wheat and oat fields continued as producers try to replenish depleted hay stocks while others were choosing to graze out fields. Wheat remains in fair to good condition and cotton producers were spraying weeds and preparing fields for planting. Winter wheat has headed across the county. Wheat and oat crops were being prepared for harvest in South Texas.

April 25, 2024

Some combines were running in South Texas and the Coastal Bend. So far, test weights were good and protein was variable.. Precipitation was expected over the next week, so harvest activity would likely be delayed117.3