Dryness Impacting Winter Wheat Plantings

The U.S. winter wheat crop planting passed the halfway mark over the past week to reach 51% complete by Sunday October 6th, one point behind the five-year average.

“One thing we have noticed is that planting has been delayed in a few areas due to dryness," noted USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "And so in Oklahoma, for example, just 32% of the intended winter wheat acreage planted by October 6th. That's pretty far below the five-year average of 46%, really no other explanation for that other than waiting for rain and better moisture conditions before planting.” 

Rippey added other states, such as South Dakota are also reporting planting numbers below the five-year average.  Even here in the Northwest, plantings are slightly below average thanks to dry soil conditions.

“Winter wheat emergence reaching the one quarter mark by October 6th," Rippey said.  "That's equal to the five-year average, equal to last year's number of 25%. We do see some local delays in emergence mostly where the crops being planted a little later due to dryness.”

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com