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Colorado's Winter Wheat Farmers Anticipate High Yields

photo by Just call me Jac
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Colorado agriculture officials are forecasting a winter wheat harvest of more than 92 million bushels this year. That would be an 18% increase above last year's production of 78 million bushels.

While the harvest expectation is up, U.S. Department of Agriculture outlook chairman Gerry Bange says it comes as the nationwide price for wheat is down about 16%, to $6.10 per bushel.

“That’s down fairly sharply from the $7.25 that was reported in 2011- 12. But it reflects, among other things, certainly a much larger corn crop – which in fact does play back into the wheat price, ultimately.”

The 10-year average for Colorado winter wheat production is 68 million bushels. Experts say this year’s crop was planted under mostly favorable conditions and has kept most of its potential thanks to a dry, mild winter. The Colorado Association of Wheat Growers says many farmers anticipate the harvest could come a few weeks early this year.

As the host of KUNC’s new program and podcast In the NoCo, I work closely with our producers and reporters to bring context and diverse perspectives to the important issues of the day. Northern Colorado is such a diverse and growing region, brimming with history, culture, music, education, civic engagement, and amazing outdoor recreation. I love finding the stories and voices that reflect what makes NoCo such an extraordinary place to live.
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