DAYTON–A dearth of moisture is the culprit in the 2023 small grains harvest being below average, according to Jacob Forsman, Northwest Grain Growers Dayton office manager, said this week, but the crop didn't turn out as bad as expected.

Harvest is about 85% complete, he said, and this year's yields are coming in about 20% below average.

"It's a smaller crop than last year," Forsman said, pointing...