Market Matters Blog

U.S. Wheat Associates (USW) in their final weekly harvest update on Oct. 3, noted state spring wheat representatives reported yields were generally above average despite environmental challenges. "Areas of lower yields resulted from below-average precipitation, isolated storm damage and disease pressure. As the sample data shows, this is a typical HRS crop but with lower vitreous kernel content due to wet weather."

As a reminder, lower vitreous kernels can be caused by bleaching due to rain, thus causing the grade to be northern spring (NS) versus dark northern spring (DNS). There are some buyers of U.S. spring wheat who only want DNS wheat.

USW also reported, "The average spring wheat protein content at 14.3% (12% mb), is unchanged from the prior week and slightly below the five-year average of 14.5%. Test weight averages 61.5 lb/bu (80.9 kg/hl), up from last year's final average of 61.1 lb/bu (80.4 kg/hl). The average falling number is 415 seconds, indicating a sound crop. Average vitreous kernel content is 60%, supporting a grade of No. 1 Northern Spring (1NS). While DHV was lower in the early weeks of sampling, it has risen gradually; however, it remains seven points below last year and six points below the five-year average. Overall, the final data indicate an average crop with slightly lower DHV." The quality lab at North Dakota State University is completing flour and dough testing on the composites for the full HRS Regional Crop Quality report and USW's upcoming 2025 Crop Quality report.

USW noted durum producers overall reported mostly good yields, though quality is variable depending on harvest timing and conditions. "There were minimal to no changes in grading factors compared to the prior week; however, total damage did increase from 1.9% to 2.1%, resulting in the overall grade lowering from U.S. No. 1 Hard Amber Durum (HAD) to U.S. No. 2 HAD." The quality laboratory at North Dakota State University is in the process of finalizing tests on composites for inclusion in the Northern Durum Regional Crop Quality report and USW's upcoming 2025 Crop Quality report.

PRODUCERS, ELEVATOR MANAGERS CHIME IN

In central South Dakota, Kevin R. Kjorsvik, general manager, Oahe Grain Corp., said, "HRS harvest was very good with just under record production. Yields averaged around 55 bushels an acre and quality was impeccable. Proteins ranged from 13.0 to 16.0 with an average of around 14.4 and average test weight was 60.2. Acres were down from the previous year based on profitability as producers in the area favored row crops for that reason."

Darrin Schmidt, eastern North Dakota, said, "The wheat harvest went pretty good for our farm. Yield and quality was good and we took off most of the crop wet so we could protect quality. Now we're just waiting for price to go up since we're quite a bit below breakeven on the stuff we didn't forward sell."

"In my opinion spring wheat harvest was later than normal," said Peter Ness, Sharon, North Dakota. "But it was an average crop and good quality for the most part though. Our protein range was 11.8% to 15% and probably 13.8% average."

Bart Swanson, Hoople, North Dakota, said, "Wheat harvest went pretty well. Probably had a better crop than I was expecting. Had very good protein on most of it and I would say average would be 14.5% or so."

In western North Dakota, Riley Schriefer said, "Wheat harvest was a wet and challenging one. A lot of wheat in the area was extremely lodged due to the abundance of storms. Surprisingly the yield maintained strong, but quality was down. We think due to all the rain a lot of our nutrients leached. Overall, it was a successful small grains year!"

Jeremy Burkhart, CEO, United Quality Cooperative, Minot, North Dakota, said it was a strong start and a tough finish to harvest. "Spring wheat and durum harvest began on a high note across much of the region, with both quality and yields exceeding early expectations. Early harvested spring wheat came in strong, averaging over 14% protein with no significant grading issues reported.

"Durum quality was good, with most of the early crop making milling grade. Yields were a pleasant surprise for many growers, ranging in the 50-60 bushels per acre range after a challenging growing season. Roughly the last 15% of spring wheat and durum remained in the field when late rains moved in, significantly impacting quality. Much of the remaining crop experienced weather-related damage, pushing it out of milling class and into feed-grade territory. The primary issue was a sharp decline in Falling Number (FN), with many samples falling below 200."

Austin Sundeen, east of Devils Lake, North Dakota, said, "This year's harvest seems like it was a hurry up and wait kind of year. The spring wheat seemed to stall out and took its time hitting maturity. When we finally got rolling around Aug. 22, we could only run a few days in between rains. Protein and falling numbers weren't an issue for us but varieties really seem to help with that.

"Yields were probably average or maybe a little above. North of us about 15-20 miles, they got caught in a rainy week and ended up with falling number and quality issues. Again, grain dryers seem to be a must in spring wheat country. Helped a neighbor with 220 acres of durum and it was the same story; we took it off at 19% moisture before the rain could take the quality and ran it through the dryer. The night we finished it rained 3.5 inches on that field."

"Wheat harvest was quick with good weather and overall nice quality," said Cory Tryan, grain manager at Alton Grain Terminal LLC, Alton, North Dakota. "Protein averaged 3/4 of a point higher than last year with yields around 10 bushels per acre less. More than usual wheat was delivered off the combine to save room for soybeans on farm."

Kim Saueressig, McClusky, North Dakota, said, "Harvest went really well. Not too many interruptions. We got going early and started by drying a lot of our early stuff. Yields for the most part were good. Most in the 50 to 60 range for our durum. Not as good as last year but still good. Same for wheat too around here. Most of what I've heard is anywhere from 50 to 70 bushel per acre. Durum quality has been really good. Good test weight, protein and color.

"The biggest problem will be getting it moved. Have most of it contracted, but lots of product out there with long waiting lines. Wheat proteins might be a little lower and seeing more discounts to drop a low price even lower. We'll see how long the bins stay locked up."

Mary Kennedy can be reached at Mary.Kennedy@dtn.com

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