Winter wheat production in 2014 is forecast at 40.3 million bushels statewide, down 17% from a year ago.
Winter wheat production in 2014 is forecast at 40.3 million bushels statewide, down 17% from a year ago.
Of course, 2013 was a below average year itself, said Don Wysocki, extension soil scientist with Oregon State University in Pendleton. That left little moisture in the soil to begin with for dryland fields, and pretty much started this year’s crop on a deficit.
Spring rains are so important for winter wheat because that’s when the grain matures and really fills out, Wysocki said. Hot, dry weather also increases the protein content in winter wheat, which is not what overseas customers prefer when they use the wheat in products such as cakes, pastries and noodles.
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