Spring Wheat Condition Looking Bad in Northern Plains

Drought in the Northern Plains of the U.S. has spring wheat growers in a bind.

USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey said they’re quickly getting to the point of no return.

“Given forecasts for the next couple of weeks, it looks to be very hot and dry, so at that point we are really just holding on for dear life for that drought affected portion of the spring wheat crop. It does not look good for the 2017 spring wheat.”

Rippey said heading is ahead of normal as well and that the condition is worsening.

“The condition continues to drop precipitously, now just 37 percent good to excellent, down three more points. 33 percent very poor to poor, that’s up five points.”

Spring wheat condition in the Northwest is much better in Oregon than Washington. The Beaver State has 75 percent of their wheat in good to excellent condition, while Washington is just 43 percent. Just seven percent of Oregon wheat is very poor to poor while 12 percent of Washington’s spring wheat is in that boat.