Northwest Dryness A Concern For Winter Wheat

As of Sunday, the 21st, one-fifth of the 2026 winter wheat crop had been planted, three points behind both the five-year average as well as last year’s numbers.  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said, as you would expect, planting rates are all over the map, literally and figuratively.

“All the way from 2% in Arkansas, North Carolina, and Ohio, some of our lower Midwestern and Southeastern states, up to 58% planted in Washington State," Rippey said.  "We are continuing to watch drought in the Northwest.  The same dryness that allows the planting to go along quite quickly in the Northwest is also a concern for crop emergence and establishment as you move through the autumn months.”

As of Sunday, 22% of Idaho’s winter wheat crop is in the ground, while 16% of Oregon’s winter wheat has been planted.

Washington Plantings, Emergence Ahead Of Schedule

Speaking of emergence, Rippey noted Washington is one of two states with an emergence percentage in double digits.

“So there's enough moisture to at least germinate the crop, but it will need moisture for proper establishment at 30% in Washington state, well ahead of the five-year average of 17%.” 

Nationwide, 4% of the winter wheat crop has emerged.  In Oregon 3% of the crop has emerged, while in Idaho that number is at 5%.

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