Cheyenne County farmers begin wheat harvest

Wheat harvest 2016 is underway.

After a few test cuts early last week, combines began rolling in earnest over the weekend. While some pockets of wheat were ripe enough to harvest mid-week, hot days allowed many farmers to begin Friday, with the biggest push Saturday.

Scoular Grain reported test weights are about average, with most around 59 or 60 pounds. Some, officials said, is lower, but the bulk matches the 60 pound per bushel standard. Saturday deliveries at Crossroads Coop in Sidney averaged just more than 61 pounds.

So far wheat quality has not been high, with a lot of protein conten...