Harvest USA Report

Hale Broadcasting
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business
  • Updated Semiweekly

The Harvest USA Report has been a favorite since 1985. Produced by Brian Hale, hosted by David Woodruff.

  1. 16h ago

    HUSA Aug 31 2026 - Brandon Roland

    We're talking to Brandon Roland. Hemingford, Nebraska. Now I saw something the other day on social media somewhere that the Ogallala Aquifer is shrinking, going down. What do people do just...   "Water regulations. It's all regulated through the state and guys have to basically decide which pivots they even want to keep running for their water allegation. So they can't go to any deeper with their well and expect to hit more water? Nope, and they aren't even allowed to. In my county as well, you can't put out a new irrigation. Basically, you had to be grandfathered in. There's no more drilling."   All things being said, how's the water quality? Has always been pretty good?   "Been pretty good, but guys are starting to get really worried for how much water they've been putting on and water allocations where this year for guys that have been putting on the water this heavy this year, they don't know for sure how much they'll even get for next year on it. There's a lot of pivot ground that I've heard that's only been ran through maybe once or twice where they've been shut off on waters and guys have picked and choose which wells they wanted to run."   When that happens, you have to go more to...   "More drought resistant crops is what you're trying to hope for."   Milo?   "We don't raise very much milo in this country. It gets too cold too quick. Our environment's just not quite right for it."   So it's cold in the fall?   "Can get cold real quick in the fall. You just don't have the growing season. A couple guys have tried it once or twice and it just never really works out."   Hemingford, Nebraska's Brandon Roland with our co-host David Woodruff.   That's it for today's Harvest USA report. Thanks again for listening and may God bless.   I'm Brian Hale.

  2. 3d ago

    HUSA Aug 28 2026 - Brandon Roland

    Agricultural Conditions and Practices: Brandon Rowland discussed the agricultural challenges faced in the panhandle of Nebraska. He mentioned the difficulties posed by drought conditions affecting corn and wheat planting. The area relies on irrigation, but due to water regulations, there's a restriction on drilling new wells. As such, farmers have to judiciously choose which fields to irrigate. The discussion also touched on the benefits of planting sunflowers due to their deep taproots, which can access moisture in dry conditions. The adoption of no-till drills and concerns over chemical costs were also mentioned in relation to farming strategies in dry conditions. Impact of Weather and Climate: The conversation addressed the agricultural impact of the weather, particularly noting the quick transition to colder fall conditions that limits crop choices like milo. The Ogallala aquifer's depletion was also noted as a significant concern, affecting water availability for irrigation. Grassland Recovery Post-Fire: There was a relief expressed about the recovery of grasslands after fires, which had initially raised concerns about long-term damage to the pasture. The successful return of grass, despite expectations, was seen as positive, although it will be some years before cattle grazing resumes. Cultural Aspects and Cowboy Poetry: The discussion ended on a lighter note regarding cowboy poetry and gatherings, which celebrate western culture and history through stories, poems, and music. These events were highlighted as important cultural gatherings that foster community and preserve traditions.

  3. 4d ago

    HUSA Aug 27 2026 - Austin Wakkinen

    Harvest USA Report

  4. 5d ago

    HUSA Aug 26 2026 - Austin Wakkinen

    Interview Details: The conversation is a recorded interview involving Hale Broadcasting and an individual named Austin Wakkinen from Brady, Montana. Austin works at the Collins Grand Elevator, operated by Mountain View Co-op. Current Harvest Situation: Harvest operations are ongoing in the Dutton-Brady area. The elevator is nearing full capacity, necessitating the transfer of grains using Mountain View trucks to make space for spring wheat. Grain Types and Storage: The grain involved is dark northern spring wheat, and low protein spring wheat similar to winter wheat is stored in outdoor piles. Each pile can hold up to 2 million bushels. These piles are covered with tarps to protect them from weather. Tarp Securing Method: The tarps are anchored using 2x4s and secured with eight-inch lag bolts to withstand wind conditions typical of the area. The setup includes cutting and rolling the tarp for additional security.

  5. 6d ago

    HUSA Aug 25 2026 - Harvest Updates

    Let's take a look at where our harvest crews are now.   First of all, Bashutski Harvesting is in eastern Montana. They're still working on lentils, but the end is in sight for that crop. The crew has got to experience some rough terrain getting into the field. No flat fields here, they wrote.   American Harvesting left Richardton, North Dakota early Friday morning, had one blowout along the way, but made it safely back to Burlington, Colorado by Friday evening. While the crops from south to north were not what they expected or wanted, they are grateful for the jobs they had and the amazing people they met along the way. They are currently looking for fall acres, happy to travel north or south. Corn, milo, sunflowers, if you need help, American Harvesting has the equipment and support to do it. Find that post on Harvest USA Report Facebook page.   And an update from the Demaray Harvesting and Trucking crew. They're closing in on the end of wheat harvest in southwest North Dakota. Next, they'll move to canola, then it's off to Langdon in the northeast corner of the state for wheat and canola. They're probably there now. If not, we'll be soon.   Zeller Harvesting was working on milo about six days ago with a customer who likes to fill his silo and then do a ground pile. For some, it's a lost art, but not for this farmer. He's pretty special.   And I hope you had your waffles yesterday. It was National Waffle Day and we're celebrating farmers who grow the wheat that becomes the flour behind some of our favorite foods. A big thank you to America's wheat growers for helping feed families across the country one breakfast at a time. That message is from the National Association of Wheat Growers.   We'll be back again with more harvest updates tomorrow.   That's it for today's Harvest USA Report. Thanks again for listening and may God bless.

  6. Aug 24

    HUSA Aug 24 2026 - Eric Wolgemuth

    Harvest USA Report

  7. Aug 21

    HUSA Aug 21 2026 - Eric Wolgemuth

    Harvest USA Report

  8. Aug 20

    HUSA Aug 20 2026 - Michael Torrie

    Michael, a farmer, reports on the progress of harvesting winter wheat which has been delayed due to recent rains. While the rain slowed them down and affected the color of the wheat, it did not significantly downgrade the quality as the wheat is contracted to feedlots that prioritize protein and other qualities over appearance. The farming operations use MacDon Flex Drapers, which effectively collect wheat from the ground regardless of its inclination due to weather effects. The current wheat variety, AAC Wildfire, is popular in southern Alberta for its high yield and suitability for irrigation, which suits their operations as they focus on yield rather than milling quality. The interview touched upon grain yield, with Michael remarking that their yields vary but are around 100 bushels per acre for winter wheat, achieved without precise equipment calibration. Crop Variability and Marketing Strategies Besides winter wheat, Michael’s farm is also working on perennial ryegrass and plans to move onto Durham wheat and canola. Past ryegrass yielded well, while the outlook for Durham is expected to yield around 80 bushels per acre, though it is sensitive to diseases like ergot. The dryness aids in combating ergot, none of which has been seen in five years. Canola is grown for seed production, and other crops include dry beans and red lentils, although lentils have been impacted by mold due to the year’s heavy rains. The market for some crops like yellow beans is limited, where Michael notes a collapsed U.S. buyer affecting demand. Nevertheless, great northern edibles, yellows, and pintos are grown, with yellows noted for their higher potential market value if consumer awareness increases. Harvest Practices and Challenges Discussions on farm practices include using grain carts to prevent field damage by heavy trucks, though not universally necessary in their sandy soil environment. Swathing is occasionally employed to counter sawfly damage, though growing solid-stemmed wheat varieties is preferred for prevention. The farm previously grew alfalfa but exited several years ago due to market instability. Challenges mentioned also include the use of fungicides to combat plant-killing mold on red lentils caused by extensive rain.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Harvest USA Report has been a favorite since 1985. Produced by Brian Hale, hosted by David Woodruff.

Information

  • Creator
    Hale Broadcasting
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    1.6K
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Harvest USA Report