Rippey: It’s Been A While Since Winter Wheat Rating Were This Low

Just how bad are the latest winter wheat condition ratings?

"The last time we saw winter wheat conditions as low as we are seeing now, you have to go back a decade to the drought of 2012-2013."

USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said the last national report in 2012 rated more than a quarter of the nation's winter wheat crop very poor to poor.

"This year the last national report, in late November, showed 23% of the crop rated very poor to poor.  So as we've continued to see conditions falling a bit further in most states through the first couple of months of winter, we are still looking at the lowest conditions since that 2012-2013 winter wheat crop cycle."

So, what are the current issues the crop is facing?

"We've had numerous reports of poor wheat stands, crops that have not emerged at all and also, we've had some wind and dust storms that have blown out soils.  So a tough situation up and down the plains for the winter wheat crop."

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