WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Harvest is just around the corner, but for some farmers, it is nearly over.
USDA data shows the spring wheat harvest is currently 10 points ahead of the five-year average, with crop conditions similar to last year.
The final spring wheat condition report of 2026 shows 51 percent of the crop rated good to excellent, while 14 percent is rated very poor to poor.
That compares with the final report from a year ago, when 49 percent of spring wheat was rated good to excellent and 18 percent was rated very poor to poor.
By state, the Dakotas report very poor to poor conditions on 20 percent or more of their acreage, led by South Dakota at 21 percent.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says July heat kept pressure on the spring wheat crop this year, while drought took an even bigger toll on winter wheat.
USDA projects states such as Kansas are on track for their smallest winter wheat harvest since 1957.
