The Sooner State’s wheat crop is 50/50

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Wheat is having a rough go, and drought conditions in Oklahoma continue to impact the state. A small grains specialist with Oklahoma State University says it is a mixed bag.

“We have some fields that are looking good. Of course, not up to our yield potential, but looking good considering our conditions. And we have some fields where there is not even any wheat there, so very unfortunate,” Dr. Amanda Silva said.

What is left might be good for hay.

“There’s a lot of need for hay and that’s a point, too, because there are some good-looking wheat fields, but the need for hay is so high, and the prices of it are also good, so we may not see those fields being cut for grain, also,” Dr. Silva said.

Dr. Silva took a look at this year’s wheat versus last and says both years have been tough for growers and it all comes down to timing.

“Both tough years, very dry. I think the main difference is just the timing that we got the rain and where we got the rains. I would say that is the biggest shift, is just the regions of the state this year that are doing a little bit better like southwest in comparison to north-central,” Dr. Silva said.

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