A recent USDA report shows 86 percent of Oklahoma’s 2016 hard red winter wheat crop in fair to good condition. While the numbers are drastically more positive than this time last year, producers are concerned a lack of moisture in the next week to 10 days could mean another inconsistent harvest around the state.
Mike Schulte, executive director of the Oklahoma Wheat Commission, said high winds, combined with heat, pests and disease, have added to producers’ worries. Terrace tops and marginal areas are already showing signs of distress, which could hinder tillering development moving forward.
Schulte said there is plenty of good wheat around Oklahoma, and a timely rain in the next few days could make a world of difference at harvest.
“The crop is an extremely resilient plant,” Schulte said. “As you look in the field right now, I think we have better potential in southern and central Oklahoma than we had last year at this time.”
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