2017 An Average Year For Washington Wheat

It’s expected that wheat harvest across Washington will wrap up in the coming days, with the final Spring crops being cut.  How was 2017 for Washington growers?

Michelle Hennings Executive Director of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers said it was a good year for Winter Wheat, but there were some issues for the Spring crop.  She described 2017 as an average to a slightly above average year.

“You know, there is more Winter Wheat planted in the the state than the there is Spring Wheat.  Those that are relying heavily on Spring Wheat, it’s not a very good year for them.  In some areas the yields were really good, and in other areas they weren’t.”

Hennings told the Washington Ag Network wheat farmers were fortunate that Falling Numbers was not an issue like the previous two seasons.  Now that most of the wheat is in storage, she says growers are looking forward to a good 2018.

“We just hope we don’t have a Falling Numbers issue, and a lot of research is being done in regards to that, and we’re looking forward to the next year, they are , they always look ahead to the next year.”

Hennings added in addition to much needed precipitation, she would like to see the prices of wheat increase in the coming year.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com