Despite clear skies and warm temperatures over the weekend, wheat harvest continues to drag on in Kingfisher County.

Additional rain Sunday night and early Monday added another drag to the harvest.

Reports of as much as 1.6 inches of rain were recorded in the area, but Local Weather Observer Steve Loftis said none was received at the National Weather Center in Kingfi sher.

The Mesonet site recorded .41 inch west of Kingfi sher at the Mueggenborg farm.

Despite wet conditions, harvest results continued to be more positive than might be expected.

Ty Elwood at Okarche Grain and Feed west of Okarche said one load arrived over the weekend weighing over 60 pounds per bushel – No. 1 wheat.

“The guy was a little skeptical when he brought it in,” Elwood said, but it was surprisingly good.

Elwood said protein levels continue at the 11% mark.

Rains throughout the majority of the harvest have created quality concerns.

Moisture on ripe grain swells the seeds causing them to lose weight per volume.

A few reports of grain sprout have cropped up.

Monday morning’s rain, measuring an inch and more in some locales, created additional concern for growers and elevator operators.

Rain missed part of the Okarche area and the northwest in the Loyal area.

Most elevator managers indicated they now expect to be open over the July 4 holiday .

Randall Varnell at Wheeler Brothers in Kingfi sher estimated the harvest at 90 to 95% complete in the Kingfisher, Omega and Loyal areas.

Varnell said there was a chance Loyal harvesting could continue Monday afternoon.

Elwood reported Monday that a few guys were still cutting.

“It’s (the finish) getting close, maybe 90% complete,” he said. He called the weekend harvest “pretty busy.”

One producer came in with a load testing over 60 pounds per bushel. Other loads are still testing in the 56-57 pounds per bushel range.

Chris Townsley, Kingfi sher CHS elevator manager, said he took in some grain over the weekend with a little sprout damage starting to show up.

“It’s not too bad considering what it’s gone through,” he added.

Cashion Grain and Feed elevator reported a handful still harvesting.

CHS Elevator in Hennessey reported the harvest there at three-fourths complete Monday with additional rain stalling it temporarily.

Many of those still cutcontingent ting are going back to the mud holes they had to work around earlier.

The Oklahoma Wheat Commission assessment for this area last mid-week reported the following: Greenfield

Progress is strong.

• Test weights: 58.5–62 lbs./bu

• Yields: mid-40s to mid-60s; higher with intensive management

• Protein: 10.7–11.1%

• Harvest: 75% complete Okarche / Piedmont

• Test weight: 59 lbs./bu

• Yields: mid-40s; intensive fields mid-50s to low-60s

• Protein varies: up to 12% east of Okarche

• Harvest: 70% complete

Kingfisher / Omega / Loyal / Reeding

Lower test weights are being reported.

• Test weight: 58–59 lbs./bu

• Yields: mid-30s to mid-50s; better results in ungrazed, intensive fields mid-50s to mid-60s

• Protein: 10.5–11.2%

• Harvest: 70% in Kingfi sher, Omega and Reeding; Loyal 65%