USDA: Winter Wheat Harvest Hits a Lull

Winter wheat harvesting hit a bit of a low over the past week.

"So we saw just a 7 point jump in the harvest progress during the last week, to reach 70% overall," said USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.  Rippey added that number is about average for this time of year, but harvest progress vastly different depending on where the wheat is.

"We've almost seen completion on harvest in the central and Southern United States, but producers are still waiting for the crop to fully mature in the north."

For example, producers in Idaho this past week just got there first 1% of the winter wheat crop harvested.  Meanwhile, things are slow for spring wheat crop development.

"Just 68% of the spring wheat headed by July 17th.  That compares to the 5 year average of 90% and last year's 91%."

But Spring wheat condition look good Ripey noted, with 71% of the crop rated in good to excellent shape.

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