Harvesting wheat is in abundance

CHENEY – The Palouse region is buzzing with activity as combines move through fields harvesting wheat.

More than half of the state's winter wheat and 20% of its spring wheat has already been harvested this month.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is predicting a strong yield this year, estimating an average to above-average harvest of around 146 million bushels.

This forecast brings some relief to farmers, who have struggled with drought, extreme heat and low yields in recent years.

Despite the promising harvest, farmers are facing new challenges, USDA officials said.

Wheat prices have fallen sharply, dropping below $6 per bushel for the first time in three years, a significant decline from the $10.99 peak reached in 2022.

The decline, along with rising costs for fuel, fertilizer and other essentials, is squeezing farmers' profit margins.

Terry Harding, a fifth-generation farmer in Lincoln County, is feeling the pressure.

"Prices are now below the cost of production," he said, noting it makes it increasingly difficult to maintain the family farm.

Similarly, Marci Green, a farmer in Fairfield, is facing tough decisions.

She plans to store part of her crop in hopes that prices rebound.

But she acknowledges she may not be able to wait long before needing to sell.

Weather continues to be an unpredictable adversary for farmers across the state. Some have lost significant portions of their crops to late frosts, while others have battled extreme heat.

Whitman County, Washington's leading wheat producer, has so far avoided the worst of these weather issues and is expecting a strong harvest.

Still, growers across the region remain cautious as they work to bring in the rest of their crops, hoping to avoid any further setbacks from weather or market fluctuations.