Heavy rains pummel wheat crop; peaches fare a bit better

Heavy rains have hindered the harvesting of wheat by at least 10 days and are causing severe quality damage to the winter wheat crop in the Rochester region, according to Agriculture Specialist Bob King of Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension. Field reports indicate that only five percent of the total crop has been harvested with the rest of the wheat crop having at least a 60 percent reduction in quality due to sprouting. Hence, for Monroe County, we estimate the value of the total wheat crop to be reduced by as much as a million dollars due to heavy rainfall, King stated in a press release. Both rain and high humidity has caused a condition called sprouting in both soft white and soft red winter wheats.

While in the field, a kernel of wheat will sprout (germinate) while still on the shaft due to moist conditions. Sprouted wheat kernels can no longer be used for flour, but only for animal feed. The current value of wheat for flour is around $3.40 a bushel, while sprouted wheat is currently valued at or about $1.80 per bushel. Field reports suggest at least 60 percent of the total wheat crop in the Rochester area is sprouted and that straw that is harvested as well (shaft of the wheat plant) will also experience a significant reduction in value since water will discolor (blacken) the straw.

Soft white winter wheat, which accounts for half the crop and used for breakfast foods and pastry, is especially susceptible to preharvest sprouting under sustained moist or humid conditions. Soft red wheat is used for pastries and crackers and tends to be more sprout resistant when exposed to wet and humid conditions.

To maximize the value of their wheat crop, farmers should segregate sprouted wheat from otherwise "good" wheat meant for flour. On a limited basis, Star of the West Milling Company in Churchville, will be offering free testing of wheat for farmers. At least two pounds of wheat are needed for testing purposes. Star of the West can be contacted at 293-3030 or 1-800-525-8217. When conditions permit, farmers are encouraged to harvest unsprouted wheat as soon as possible.

Wheat statistics

• Monroe County - 76 farms, 12401 acres, 680,875 bushels.
• Rochester region - (Counties of Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Orleans, Ontario and Wayne) 646 farms, 66343 acres, 3,841,986 bushels.
• New York state - 1482 farms, 115,300 acres, 6,630,107 bushels.

Local peaches in short supply
A 15 percent yield reduction for the overall peach crop is expected in Monroe County. The Lake Ontario region has reported damage to the peach crop primarily due to an extreme temperature fluctuation that occurred in January 2004. On January 3, the Rochester region experienced a new high temperature of 61 degrees. One week later on January 10, a record daily low temperature of minus 12 degrees was experienced. This temperature fluctuation over a short period has primarily been identified as causing significant tree damage, thus decreasing fruit potential for peaches. However, some growers along the lake shore are reporting that the lake effect appeared to have minimized freeze damage to their peach crop at this time, consequently realizing a full crop. Growers as much as a mile or more from the lake tended to experience considerably more freeze damage (50 percent or more) as a result of this wide swing in temperature fluctuation, according to Cornell Cooperative Extension's Bob King.

Overall, the quality of the peach crop, is good to excellent, King reported in a press release, but availability is likely to be spotty in the beginning of harvest. Availability is expected to improve and level out as the harvest season progresses especially into mid-season varieties. The size of peaches is expected to be larger than last year, due to above average rains that the Rochester region has experienced.

Currently, very early peach varieties such as Harbinger are starting to be picked and are available in some areas. For the Rochester area, growers typically pick three varieties of peaches: 1) Early, 2) mid-season and, 3) late season.

Many early season varieties (semi-cling), are available at the end of July and the first week of August. Early varieties such as Garnet Beauty and Sunhaven are usually available during the beginning of August. Mid-season varieties such as Red Havens, Glow Havens, and Harbelle, which are cling free, come during the middle of August. (Cling free means that the pit can be easily separated from the fruit).

Later varieties (cling free) such as Crest Haven, Madison and Lorings are expected to be harvested toward the end of August and beginning of September. These varieties are usually peak in flavor and quality, and perfect for canning and freezing.

To ripen firm peaches and nectarines, place the fruit in a paper bag ideally with an apple (gives off ethylene to help ripen), fold the top over loosely, and keep it at room temperature for one to three days. Check the fruit daily.