Kansas Wheat CEO, Justin Gilpin, recently provided a comprehensive breakdown of the 2023 wheat harvest on their podcast "Wheat's on your Mind." This year is notable due to the significant challenges the crop faced, combined with market volatility and unprecedented geopolitical events.
The 2023 Kansas wheat harvest is estimated to be the smallest since 1966 at 208 million bushels. These numbers were positively impacted by unexpected rains that improved the yield of the later-planted wheat. This better-than-expected crop demonstrates the improvements in wheat genetics, farming practices, and on-farm knowledge over the decades.
Drought and excessive rainfall have taken their toll. Weeds have increased, harvests delayed, and test weights dropped, implying that final numbers for the 2023 Kansas wheat crop might drop further.
On a positive note, the crop demonstrated high protein content, which is desirable for millers and bakers. The value of this protein won't be defined until the spring wheat harvest is complete in the northern Great Plains.
There are concerns regarding the availability of world wheat stocks due to geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Russia's increasing control over grain terminals and strategic supply manipulation raise questions about global wheat stock availability.
As wheat producers prepare for the 2024 harvest, Kansas Wheat continues to look at ways to ensure a productive and successful wheat crop in the future. This includes maintaining favorable prices and addressing issues in the entire wheat value chain.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-orientaly
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat, Harvesting