Southwest
Good harvest conditions allowed producers to get a lot of grain into the bin. Temperatures were above normal, and crops have been catching up on much needed heat units helping to get maturity back on track. Morning dew has been minimal due to low humidity during the day. Winter cereal planting is nearly complete, and several fields have emerged. Fall field work has begun in several areas, and fall weed control is underway. Spring wheat yields are averaging 65 to 70 bu/acre and there are reports of yields exceeding 90 bu/acre. Quality is good, with protein ranging from 13.5 to 15%. The remaining wheat is mostly in the northern part of the region. Barley yields range from 75 to 90 bu/acre, with average to above-average test weights. The remaining crop is losing grade quickly and in many cases starting to sprout. Oat yields are average, but later-harvested oats show lower yields and reduced quality due to wet and humid conditions. Canola yields are estimated at 40 to 60 bu/acre. Soybeans are in the R8 growth stage, and harvest has begun in most areas. Yields look average to above average with good quality. Sunflowers are at variable R8 stages. Corn is at the R6 stage and plants are starting to dry down. Corn silage harvest has started, with yields looking above average.
Northwest
Warm temperatures this week allowed for good harvest progress across the region. Harvest operations were also able to run later into evening this week as conditions remained dry for longer. Post-harvest field operations are continuing. Volunteer crops and weeds are actively growing with recent improvements to soil moisture. Fall rye and winter wheat seeding is complete. Winter cereal crops have had adequate moisture to establish. Spring wheat harvest is nearing completion. Recent precipitation events have caused some wheat to sprout and there are some concerns with quality. Estimated yields range from 70 to 80 bu/acre, with some fields yielding higher. Desiccation and swathing in canola is wrapping up with the exception of any late seeded fields. Yields vary from 30 to 50 bu/acre. Some crops have severe lodging which has contributed to slow harvest. The stagy crops have caused some issues with green plant material not being able to be separated from the seed. Field pea harvest is complete. Yields varied from 30-60 bu/ac. Soybean crops are mostly in the R8 stage.
