By Scout Nelson
Nebraska’s wheat crop is facing one of its most difficult growing seasons in more than 100 years. Agricultural meteorologist Eric Hunt described this year’s crop as “battered” after a series of weather problems, including drought, late freezes, and sudden temperature changes, affected crop development.
The United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) estimates Nebraska’s wheat production will reach only 16.2 million bushels this year. This is a 57% decline from last year and marks the lowest production level since 1917.
Both harvested acres and average yields are below normal levels. Nebraska’s long-term average wheat yield since 1990 is about 43 bushels per acre, but this year’s projected average is only 28 bushels per acre. Harvested wheat acres are estimated at 580,000, which is the lowest level since 1990.
Winter wheat remains one of Nebraska’s major crops, with production mainly concentrated in the Panhandle and southwest regions. Several counties, including Cheyenne, Box Butte, Perkins, Red Willow, Kimball, Furnas, and Chase, contribute a large share of the state’s wheat production and are expected to experience significant impacts from the reduced harvest.
Lower wheat production is also affecting national supplies. Reduced availability has supported stronger wheat prices, with USDA projecting the average farm price at $6.00 per bushel compared with $5.05 last year. However, higher prices do not fully offset rising production expenses.
Farmers continue to face increased costs for fuel, fertilizer, and other inputs. Lower yields also increase the cost of producing each bushel, creating additional financial pressure for wheat growers.
Economic challenges are expected to remain for many producers. Wheat farmers across the region are dealing with lower returns as production expenses remain high compared with market income.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-milos-cirkovic
Categories: Nebraska, Crops, Wheat, Weather