Initial sample testing shows lower protein for soft white wheat this year

Farm and Ranch August 4, 2009 The Wheat Marketing Center in Portland has analyzed the first samples of soft white wheat from this year’s Pacific Northwest harvest and it’s good news regarding protein. The first weekly report puts protein content at ten percent compared to last year’s first samples from the same areas, which ran at 11%. These early samples came from north central and northeastern Oregon and western, north central and southeastern Washington. Test weights averaged 59.8 bushels with low moisture at 8.8 percent.

The USDA reports that at the start of this week 77 percent of Oregon’s winter wheat had been harvested, 38 percent of Washington’s and 17 percent of Idaho’s. Nationally, 85 percent of the winter wheat crop has been cut, five points behind average for now.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey has the latest on spring wheat harvesting.

Rippey: “We actually have the spring wheat harvest now underway in four of the six main production states. Overall just three percent harvested and that is behind last year‘s five percent figure and well behind the five year average of 15 percent. We have seen favorable weather as of late though with warmer weather across the plains and hot, dry weather in the northwest. Leading the way Washington state 21% harvested. Just one point behind the five year average. South Dakota leading the plain states with 18% harvested, well behind the five year average of 42%.”

Just one percent of Idaho’s spring wheat has been harvested.

I’m Bob Hoff and that’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on the Northwest Ag Information Network.

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