The annual wheat harvest in the Southern Plains is off to a slower and more challenging start this year, according to Paul Paplow of Paplow Custom Harvesting and Trucking, who also represents the U.S. Custom Harvesters. While some progress has been made, persistent wet weather and earlier drought conditions in the south are impacting the pace.
Paplow, currently in Kiowa, Kansas, told Farm Director KC Sheperd, “We’ve gotten about a day and a half in Witchita, Texas, so far.” He added that his operation has “two machines sitting down there, and eight machines up by the Kansas, Oklahoma line waiting to get started.”
Typically, the harvest trail begins much further south. “We typically start in Wichita Falls, Texas,” Paplow explained. However, this year saw a significant reduction in acreage in that region. “A lot of our acres were adjusted out down there this year because of the early drought. So right now we’re getting a little bit of a slower start.”
The usual progression sees machines move from Wichita Falls, Texas, to Kingfisher, Oklahoma, and then up to the Kansas-Oklahoma line near Kiowa and Anthony. This year, the delayed start is notable: “We’re starting a little bit later this year than normal, just because of the crop failure down south,” Paplow said.
The primary concern now is not drought, but an abundance of rain. “It’s just constant rain,” Paplow lamented. “And we haven’t had big rains, just enough to keep us from doing anything lately.” The good news for harvesters is that “the ground’s not a concern yet,” meaning machines aren’t getting stuck. The main requirement is for the wheat to dry out a little bit. However, he warned that “if it keeps raining, the getting stuck part is going to be a major concern.”
Despite the delays, Paplow expressed optimism about the potential yields in Oklahoma and Kansas. While initial cuts in Wichita Falls yielded around 30 bushels of wheat, which is probably a pretty fair crop for them,” the outlook further north is significantly brighter. “Up here in this area, I’d say anywhere like Kingfisher and out, the crop looks extremely good. I say probably better than the last 10 years.” He concluded, “So I think if we’re able to get to the crop, I think it’s going to be a nice crop.”
A unique challenge this year is the synchronized ripening of the wheat crop across a vast area. “Everything’s going to ripen pretty much all together,” Paplow noted. “I’d say from Wichita Falls up to almost McPherson, Kansas, everything’s gonna be ready at the same time. It’s gonna be really interesting for a lot of harvesters.” This could lead to a frantic race against time for harvesters trying to cover their contracts.
Adding to the complexity, Paplow shared a concern about more northern regions: “I am somewhat concerned, because I was told that Montana is about 10 days to two weeks ahead of schedule compared to normal.” This means harvesters will need to move quickly through the southern states to reach Montana on time.
Comparing this year to last, Paplow noted, “Last year, we had a really big run in Texas. It started out really good, so this year is definitely starting out slower.” However, he maintains hope for the northern states: “I think the Kansas wheat crop and Oklahoma crop is gonna be better this year compared to last year. I think there’s definitely going to be a downfall because of the Texas crop not being there this year, but everything else looks better right now, so maybe it will average out.”
Paplow Custom Harvesting and Trucking operates a large crew of 26 individuals, in accordance with US Custom Harvesters, and includes Paul and his father. Their operation is a “for hire” service, working with “the same customers for year after year,” and growing as their customer base grows. Their annual journey begins in Texas, working north through the summer, where they harvest wheat in Oklahoma, Kansas, Montana and North Dakota. They then transition to corn and soybeans in Iowa, South Dakota, and Minnesota in the fall.
For those interested in learning more about Paplow Custom Harvesting or US Custom Harvesters, Paul suggests contacting their office or sending an email to Mandy. Find that contact information at USCHI.com.
