Spring Wheat Plantings Off Nationally

Spring wheat plantings remain significantly behind schedule nationwide. According to USDA, roughly 39% of this year’s crop was in the ground on Sunday [May 15^th], well off the five-year-average of 67%. Brad Rippey meteorologist with the USDA said amid the drought last year, 83% of the spring wheat crop had been planted by this week in 2021. He noted for this crop, the planting progress is truly all over the map.

“From just 5% complete in Minnesota, compared to the five-year-average of 75%, to 91% planted in Washington state, which is on par with the five-year-average.  So, it’s an east-west divide.  Very little progress in the Red River Valley, to fairly normal progress as you move into the interior Northwest.”

Rippey added that wet weather which has delayed spring wheat plantings in the Minnesota area, has also impacted sugarbeets plantings as well. Meanwhile, Idaho sugarbeet plantings are currently at 97%.

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