The 2022 Wheat harvest started Sunday with first loads delivered to county elevators.

The pace grew on Monday with elevators staying open late to receive the new crop.

Quality was reported good with weights ranging 60 pounds per bushel and up.

Yields from 20 to 40 bushels per acre were reported at CHS Elevator in Okarche, but mostly in the 20 bushel range.

Harvesters were watching the sky with trepidation as the forecast called for additional rainfall Tuesday night.

Producers need dry weather at this point after a drought-ridden growing season.

Protein was higher than normal in areas where the harvest has begun.

While moisture has been satisfactory in most loads arriving at elevators, many fields are still too green to cut.

Randall Varnell, manager of Wheeler Brothers Elevator in Kingfisher, said harvest began on Sunday and “went pretty good” on Monday.

He said he had received no reports on yields as yet but weight and protein tests were good.

“We need dry weather,” he said.

Tyler Elwood, manager of Okarche Grain and Feed, said new crop wheat began arriving there on Sunday also.

“Protein is good and weights are good,” he said.

Elwood added that additional harvesting will be needed to get an accurate picture on yields.

CHS Elevator at Okarche reported protein running at 11 to 12% and moisture running in the acceptable 11 to 13% range.

One test load came in above the 4% moisture maximum that can be accepted.

Weights in the 60 pound per bushel range were reported.

Wheat began arriving Monday at CHS Elevator in Hennessey.

Wheat was weighing in the 60-pound-per-bushel, No. 1, range, it was reported.

“It’s looking pretty good,” the spokesperson said.