Farmers and crop observers have been hoping to avoid wheat sprouting in the heads in what many believe will be an above-average crop across much of the Southwest.

But persistent rain may be affecting some of that optimism, according to Clark Neely, AgriLife Extension small grains and oilseed specialist in College Station.

With continued chances of rain in the forecast, pre-harvest sprouting is another concern that many growers will have to deal with this year, Neely said.

Pre-harvest sprouting in wheat is not a new phenomenon in Texas, but the number of potential acres affected this year could be very widespread compared to years past, he said.