Southern Illinois Wheat Survey Reveals Potential for Record Yields

The 2023 Illinois Wheat Tour predicts record-breaking wheat yields for the summer harvest, according to Mark Schleusener, Illinois State Statistician for the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Services. The tour assessed fields across multiple counties, observing minimal issues and favorable conditions for wheat cultivation.

Teams conducted detailed head counts, evaluated fertility levels, disease presence, and head size. Results from 57 fields in 20 counties indicate an average projected yield of 97.6 bushels per acre, surpassing previous records. Hamilton County demonstrates the highest projected yield at 143.27 bushels per acre, while Franklin County presents the lowest projection at 71.83 bushels per acre.

In contrast to the favorable outlook in Illinois, drought-stricken areas in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Texas have experienced poor yields and significant crop losses. Due to drought conditions, these states expect to harvest only 67% of their crop, the lowest since 1917.

While the current projections are promising, Schleusener and participants acknowledge that the actual yield may be affected by factors such as insufficient rainfall, disease development, and light head weight. Moisture is crucial for realizing the full potential of the wheat crop, and the size of the heads observed during the tour may impact final yields.

This year, participants introduced a new factor to enhance yield calculations by counting the average spikelets per head. The addition aims to improve accuracy after last year's estimate fell short of the actual record-breaking yield. Although disease signs were limited during the tour, it is still early to assess the prevalence of fusarium (head scab) and leaf diseases in northern counties.

The USDA NASS report on June 9 will provide further insights into wheat yield projections, as data collection is set to begin on June 1. Farmers and observers remain optimistic but recognize the importance of favorable conditions and continued monitoring for a successful harvest in southern Illinois.

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