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2008 wheat quality above averageKansas The 2008 Kansas wheat crop is reported to be above average in quality and a significant improvement over the last two years, according to the annual Wheat Quality Report, issued by Kansas Agriculture Statistics Aug. 15. The report, funded by the Kansas Wheat Commission, shows that protein averaged 12.4 percent, compared with 11.7 percent last year and the 10-year average of 12.3 percent. Moisture content averaged 11.3 percent, compared with 12 percent last year and 11.5 percent for the 10-year average. Data was taken from 11,245 carlot samples from 52 counties. The average test weight of these samples was 60.4 pounds per bushel; last year's average was 59.3 pounds and the 10-year average from 1994-2003 is 60.4 pounds per bushel. Samples of wheat grading No. 1, at 71 percent, are up 16 points from last year, while 26 percent of the crop graded No. 2, compared to 32 percent in 2007. Three percent of the crop graded No. 3 or below. Wheat samples averaged 0.6 percent damaged kernels, the same as for 2007 and the 10-year average. Foreign material content tested 0.1 percent, the same as in 2007 and equaling the 10-year average; shrunken and broken kernels averaged 1.3 percent, compared to 1.7 percent last year and the same as the 10-year average. There were 5,058 samples voluntarily submitted for inspection. Test weight for these samples averaged 60 pounds; 12.8 percent protein and 11.3 percent moisture. These samples graded No. 1, 53 percent; No. 2, 37 percent; No. 3, 8 percent and No. 4, 2 percent. After disappointing wheat quality in the 2006 and 2007 wheat harvests, the milling industry is elated with the results of the 2008 crop. "Millers I've talked to have been milling 2008 wheat for the last several weeks. Everyone is happy," said Mark Fowler, flour milling specialist at Kansas State University's International Grains Program. "Last year, we had too low protein and the year before, too high protein. It's back to a normal wheat crop and millers are generally very pleased." Due to the consistent, high quality of the 2008 wheat crop, demand is high worldwide, according to Aaron Harries, director of marketing at the Kansas Wheat Commission. "Wheat grown in the United States is the highest-quality new-crop wheat on the world market right now. Poor weather conditions have led to quality problems in Europe and the Black Sea Region," he explained. "Last year, U.S. Wheat was the only open market in a tight world supply situation, and many customers got their first taste of high-quality U.S. Wheat. They liked what they purchased and are coming back for more," Harries said. 8/25/08 Date: 8/21/08
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