Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Serving Lincoln County for more than a century!
Many local farmers are concerned this year's crop could be impacted by drought-like conditions during last year's harvest.
ODESSA – Last summer brought drought conditions for local wheat farmers and ranchers. The effects of that drought are expected to carry an impact into this year's wheat harvest.
The drought could impact this year's crop as farmers prepare for this year's harvest. Drought can increase the need to produce more product the following year.
"The biggest issue I saw was the protein levels in white wheat, which had a dramatic effect on the sale of wheat," said Mark Cronrath, the Grain Branch Merchant at Odessa Trading Company.
Protein levels are typically 8.5-10.5% and in 2021 they jumped up to 12%. This brought the price of wheat down to $1.50 a bushel, Cronrath said.
HighLine Grain Growers CFO Beau Duff said there was about a 60% yield in last year's crop. Duff declined to give specific yield numbers because of HighLine's wide-reaching service area.
Eastern Washington was impacted significantly during last year's drought. Those who did not have irrigation were among the first to feel the extreme heat. Water supply being too low can mean more funds spent on irrigation. Poor soil quality can make it harder for crops to thrive.
Ranchers must spend additional funds on feed and water for their animals. Livestock can be lost in extreme heat conditions, according to Wheat Life.
Odessa's hottest day was on June 29, 2021, at 111 degrees. According to the Climate Prediction Center, the temperature outlook for 2022 is a 33-40% chance of above-average temperatures. The precipitation outlook is 33-40% below normal.
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