Winter wheat planting has begun in South Dakota. Yesterday’s Crop Progress Report showed two percent of winter wheat has gone into the ground in the state, which is on pace with other years.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey explains how the weather is playing a role in this year’s national crop.
“Nationally, 3 percent of the intended acreage planted by September 4th, equal to the five-year average, but behind last year is 5 percent. Many of the winter wheat production areas are unfavorably dry right now. Now, it’s a double-edged sword because that is favorable for planting, but of course, you need the moisture soon for emergency and establishment. So that being said, we do see some likely delays due to some of the dry conditions in parts of the Northwest, and also some delays due to the lateness of the winter wheat harvest. We had a delayed crop, so Washington state coming in this week, just 7 percent of the winter wheat planted, well behind the five-year average of 20 percent,” said Rippey.
The report also showed that 97 percent of spring wheat has been harvested, which is two percentage points ahead of the five-year average.
Related:
“Bad” weather has been favorable for winter wheat harvest
Update from the Field: Harvesting winter wheat in Kansas
The drought in the Midwest is easing, but it has greatly impacted the winter wheat crop
