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Tour predicts strong wheat yields, higher protein

Strong wheat yields and potential for higher protein levels are among the conclusions of the 2010 Hard Spring Wheat and Durum tour through the Dakotas and Minnesota. DTN and Dow Jones newswires report the overall wheat average from the three-day tour is 45.2 bushels per acre, down slightly from last year’s 45.7. The averages for Hard Red Spring wheat, 46 bushels… and hard red winter, 48.4, are down slightly from last year. Durum, however, is up from last year at 38.4 bushels an acre.

Extra fertilizer applications and heat stress are two of the factors scouts say could raise wheat’s protein grade this year to the 13.5 to 14 percent protein range. Last year’s wheat had weaker protein levels.

Insect pressure this year has been light.

Harvest has begun in some areas but wheat planted later because of excessive spring rain won’t be ready for harvest for about another month.