National, NW Winter Wheat Crop In Good Shape

When it comes to the heading progress of the national winter wheat crop, figures crossed the ¾ mark over the weekend.   USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said that May 25th heading figure is ahead of the five-year average of 70%, but slightly behind the 76% we saw this time last year.

“We now see at least some heading progress in all 18 major producing states; lowest on the list is Montana at 1%. That is equal to the five-year average," Rippey said.  "Next on the list, South Dakota at 3% headed, the five-year average there is 9%. As you move to the south though, progress is much quicker, driving that national number above average.  Top producer Kansas, nearly all the crop, 93%, has headed. That's ahead of the five-year average of 87%.”

As far as Northwest heading numbers are concerned: 

• Idaho’s crop is at 16%, ahead of the five-year average of 9%
• Washington is 48% headed, the five-year average is 30%
• 70% of Oregon’s winter wheat crop is headed, well ahead of the five-year average of 52%. 

Northwest Winter Wheat Quality Ahead Of National Average

When it comes to the quality of the 2025 winter wheat crop.

"The last report for May, exactly 1/2 of the crop is rated good to excellent," Rippey said.  "19% and very poor to poor, just a slight deterioration from last week's 52% good to excellent, 18% very poor to poor, and ironically very similar to what we saw this time of year ago when the crop was rated 48% good to excellent, and 19% very poor to poor.” 

Rippey noted the winter wheat crops in Nebraska and Texas continue to deteriorate with 53% and 34%, respectively, rated very poor to poor. 

As for local quality numbers, in Washington 77% of the crop is considered good to excellent, with 8% rated very poor to poor.  In Oregon, 60% of the winter wheat crop is rated good to excellent, while 16% is very poor to poor.  And in Idaho, 75% is considered good to excellent, with 3% rated poor; none of the Idaho winter wheat crop is considered very poor at this point.

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