The embattled 2022 wheat harvest finally got under way in earnest last weekend with the arrival of hot, dry weather.

The mercury surged past the 100-degree mark Saturday (100), Sunday (104) and Monday (101), with scorching heat indexes in excess of 110 at times.

Both Wheeler Brother Elevator in Kingfisher and CHS Elevator in Okarche provided estimates that the harvest had passed the halfway mark, thanks to favorable weekend weather.

Randall Varnell of Kingfisher’s Wheeler Brothers Elevator said the harvest was still going good Monday.

“These big machines today can make quick work of harvest compared to earlier years,” he observed.

Varnell said quality was holding up well. While test weights had fallen a little many were still in the No. 1 wheat range.

While some sprout damage was showing up after the early June rains, “we still take care of them,” he said.

CHS Elevator at Okarche reported decent test weights, good protein but a little sprout damage.

Sprout damage occurs when seed in the grain head begins growing due to excessive moisture after the grain has ripened.

CHS Elevator at Hennessey reported harvest finally started over the weekend with quality still good – a lot of good test weights and no sprout damage appearing as of Monday.

The Oklahoma Wheat Commission said harvest