Drought affected most wheat farmers

Drought conditions have already affected most farmers.

While statewide yields are down overall by 40%, the North Central region is down by 50%. Wheat production remains the same at 2.3 million acres and 2021 yields plummeted to 39.1 bushels per acre, down from 72.4 bushels in 2020.

Official statewide data is being released in December.

The lack of rainfall is causing high protein content in soft white wheat, according to Michelle Hennings, executive director of Washington Wheat Growers. She said one of the best actions farmers can take is to buy crop insurance for uncertain times.

The Washingt...