Kingfisher County’s wheat harvest showed signs of winding down Thursday, a welcome relief after earlier apprehension about the possibility of additional rain delays.

Reports from county elevator sources indicated that some producers had finished except for waiting for muddy spots to dry out enough to allow combines on them.

Wheat quality continued to be good with weights in the 58 and 59 pounds per bushel range.

Wheat at that weight is still suitable for milling and bread making.

The University of Maine Extension Service provided some insight on that point, reporting: “Test weight is more of a direct concern for millers than bakers. It is a measure of the density of the grain (i.e., the weight of a specific volume) and is generally expressed as pounds per bushel.

“Test weight is used as an overall indicator of grain quality and provides a rough estimate of potential flour yield. The minimum acceptable test weight for wheat is generally 56 pounds per bushel. Low test weight can be caused by poor growing conditions, especially at grain filling, and sprout damage.”

Sprout damage is when unharvested grain in the head begins sprouting.

It was an early concern for the local wheat when rain arrived after the grain was mature, but reports across the county indicated the problem missed county fields.

The mid-week report by the Oklahoma Wheat Commission reported rapid progress with some southwest local producers “wrapping up.”

However, producers continue to battle mud from heavy rains across northern Oklahoma, especially from Kremlin to Blackwell, Ponca City and Braman.

Mud is also slowing progress in the Afton and Miami area.

Several fields from central to northern Oklahoma remain partially harvested as producers and harvesters plan to return for wetter, lower-lying areas once they dry out.

Rain earlier this week has also delayed dryland harvest in some parts of the Panhandle.

Test weights have dropped due to last week’s heavy rains, but the statewide average still stands at 59 pounds per bushel, despite regional and varietal variation.

Yields are generally ranging from the mid-30s to mid-50s, while producers using intensive management practices are reporting yields from the mid-60s to low-80s.

Statewide average protein is 11.1 percent.

The report added this footnote: “It should be noted that in locations between Wichita Falls, Texas, and Lawton, Oklahoma – and around Tonkawa, Blackwell and Ponca City – many acres were flooded and will not be harvested. Yields in these areas are expected to be about one-third lower than average. In many of these fields, heavy weed pressure has further hindered harvest efforts.”

Local elevators reporting to KT&FP inquiries reported the following results:

• Chris Townsley at CHS Elevator in Kingfisher estimated harvest completion at “maybe 60 to 70%; should be getting close to the end by the weekend” with continuing favorable harvest conditions.

• Okarche Grain and Feed: Many done here, except for wet spots; weights, still 58 and 59 pounds on latest arrivals.

• Cashion Grain and Feed: Some finished with a few just getting started.

• Hennessey CHS reported that harvest was about half complete there with many loads testing 60 pounds and above. Some fields showed lower weights.

• Randall Varnell, manager of Wheeler Brothers Elevator in Kingfisher estimated Friday that the county harvest was approaching the 90% complete point.

“If the rain will hold off, we won’t be receiving grain on July 4th like I expected earlier,” he said.

Varnell reported that while test weights had lost a little from rain, they remained okay.