Pacific Northwest Wheat Crop Sees Record-Breaking Yields Amid Frost Damage Concerns

A record-breaking Pacific Northwest wheat crop has yielded at least 20% above average across the board, according to Mike Carstensen, a top US and Washington farmer. Speaking with Capital Press, Carstensen attributed the success to 'timely rains and growing conditions that were perfect for some pretty good crops.' However, he noted that lower river areas saw severely low protein wheat during harvest.

As yields rose, so did concerns over dockages of up to 50 cents per bushel on soft white wheat testing below 9% protein. Carstensen reassured farmers that the market would adjust, stating 'the problem is, in the heat of the battle, right at first, guys are getting slammed with what they're perceiving as a discount.'

Carstensen's own farm saw 20% above average yields, but was also impacted by frost damage. He noted that wheat prices are still short of covering costs due to high fuel expenses.