Cold temps are hurting winter wheat establishment

This week’s winter wheat condition ratings remain unchanged with just 32 percent of the crop rated good to excellent.

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says that cold, dry weather continue to impact winter wheat development across the U.S.

“There’s really not much way to put a favorable spin on the early months of this crop’s development... you’ve seen a combination of factors including drought and periods of very cold weather limiting the establishment of this crop that’s been planted over the last several weeks,” he explains.

Rippey says that there are now storm systems rolling through the U.S. that will bring much needed moisture to planted areas in major producing states including Oklahoma and Texas.

Related Stories
The Arkansas Farm Bureau introduces us to the Brents Family, who have raised cattle, poultry, and hay on their operation in Jerusalem, Arkansas, for 14 years.
The California Farm Bureau introduces us to Aussie, its 2024 Farm Dog of the Year! Aussie’s proved nothing—not even the loss of a limb—can stop her from protecting her farm and family.

Agriculture Shows
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Farm Traveler is for people who want to connect with their food and those who grow it. Thanks to direct-to-consumer businesses, agritourism, and social media, it’s now easier than ever to learn how our food is made and support local farmers. Here on the Farm Traveler, we want to connect you with businesses offering direct-to-consumer products you can try at home, agritourism sites you can visit with your family, and exciting new technologies that are changing how your food is being grown.
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.
Host Ben Bailey hops in the tractor cab, giving farmers 10 minutes to answer as many questions and grab as much cash as they can for their local FFA chapter.