Oklahoma wheat crop worst in nearly half century

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – Oklahoma agriculture officials say ongoing drought during the start of spring followed by a late freeze and untimely late spring rains produced the worst wheat crop in nearly a half century.

Oklahoma Wheat Commission director Mike Schulte says the current projection is for about 51 million bushels of wheat in the state – the lowest total since 43 million bushels were harvested in 1957.

Schulte says the harvest is considered 97 percent complete as of Monday but says he knows of no farmers still trying to collect the crop.

Cassidy Grain elevator co-owner Mike Cassidy in Frederick says the harvest that began in early June virtually ended before it started. Cassidy says most of the wheat that was cut this year was set aside for use as seed next year.