NW Winter Wheat Plantings Ahead Of Schedule

The sunny, dry weather we’ve seen across much of wheat country, not only here in the Northwest, but in the middle portion of the county, is great news for dry down and harvest, but it’s not great news for winter wheat emergence and establishment.  But, as meteorologist Brad Rippey pointed out, this weather has been good for plantings nationwide.

“Which has advanced now by, October 13th, to 64% nationally.  That is two points behind the five-year average and a point behind last year.” 

So, if the weather is cooperating, why aren’t we seeing plantings take place at a faster pace? 

“It is simply that it appears some producers are waiting for better moisture conditions before seeding the crop," Rippey said.  "That is showing up now in a couple of states; Oklahoma 43% planted, the five-year average is 60%, and there's been no weather reason for that delay, so it's likely due to dryness. We're seeing that in Illinois too. 33% of the crop planted versus 39% for the five-year average.”

Locally, winter wheat plantings for Washington currently sit at 77%, which is ahead of the five-year average of 81%.  In Oregon, currently 64% of the crop is in the ground, ahead of the five-year average of 58%.  And in Idaho, 93% of the winter wheat crop has been planted, well ahead of the five-year average of 84%

When it comes to emergence, right now Washington sits at 63%, compared to the five-year average of 54%, Oregon is at 28%, compared to the five -year average of 20%, and Idaho's emergence is currently at 39%, which is inline with the five-year average.

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