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Wheat tour inspects fields throughout state
Nebraska
Participants of the Nebraska Wheat Quality Tour left various locations across the state on its two-day inspection of Wheat fields within the state April 26. Five groups from Lincoln traveled to Paxton covering areas in Eastern and Central Nebraska. Another seven explored the areas west and north of Ogallala. These groups met in Paxton to discuss the prospects for the upcoming Wheat season. Additional groups traveled south of I-80 April 27, meeting in Colby, Kan., to visit with representatives from Colorado and Kansas.
This year representatives from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Ag Statistics, elevators, media and producers examined fields for evidence of disease, weed growth, plant development and moisture levels. Preliminary results were presented at the meeting; however, final results will not be available until the tour's completion. Initial reports indicated no evidence of disease.
"I was very impressed with the yield potentials that I witnessed in eastern and southern tier counties with yield potentials ranging from 40 to 90 bushels per acre. If conditions continue to be favorable throughout the growing season, we should experience another good harvest this July," stated Ron Stoddard, Executive Director of the Nebraska Wheat Board.
According to Michelle VanLaningham, executive director of the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association, it is important to remember that numbers and conditions represented today are only that. Environmental changes including extreme heat, rain or drought will affect the results during harvest. Farmers, elevators and statisticians are continuously inspecting the crops to make accurate, up-to-date estimates of Wheat harvest numbers.
Many at the meeting were impressed by the lack of diseases and weeds reported throughout the tour. A few fields contained yellow mustard, but overall conditions were good. Dave Hilferty, President of the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association, stated the lack of weeds could be due to a lack of moisture. "We may see increased weed growth throughout the summer as our moisture levels fluctuate."
For final results of the tour, call the office at 308-284-6823 or visit the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association website at nwga@megavision.com.
Date: 5/13/04
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