By Blake Jackson
Kentucky farmers harvested 40.5 million bushels of winter wheat during the summer of 2023, up 35% from the previous year and the second highest production on record. Yield is estimated at 88.0 bushels per acre, up 8.0 bushels from 2022 and a new record high.
The increase in production was due to both an increase in acreage harvested and a record high yield. Farmers planted 610,000 acres last fall, up 80,000 acres from 2022. Area harvested for grain in Kentucky totaled 460,000 acres, with the remaining acreage used for other purposes such as cover crops, hay, silage, or abandoned.
The increase in production is good news for Kentucky farmers and for the state's economy. Wheat is a major crop in Kentucky, and its production supports thousands of jobs and generates millions of dollars in revenue each year.
The increase in Kentucky's wheat production is part of a nationwide trend. U.S. wheat production for 2023 is estimated at 1.81 billion bushels, up 10% from 2022. Grain area harvested totaled 37.3 million acres, up 5% from the previous year. The United States yield is estimated at 48.6 bushels per acre, up 2.1 bushels from last year.
The increase in U.S. wheat production is due to a combination of factors, including favorable weather conditions and increased acreage harvested. The higher production is good news for consumers, as it will help to keep wheat prices affordable.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-dleonis
Categories: Kentucky, Crops, Wheat