Washington Spring Wheat Crop Struggles

The spring wheat crop continues to progress at a fairly normal clip.  According to NASS, 87% of the crop is headed nationwide, slightly behind the five-year average of 88%.  Locally, the Washington crop is completely headed while Idaho’s crop is at 99%.

As it has all season, drought continues to be the big story maker for spring wheat growers.

"The crop overall, not looking so good.  52% good to excellent, but 16% very-poor to poor. It's a little bit down from last week's numbers; 54% good to excellent and 13% very-poor, poor.  And dramatically lower than last year's 77% good to excellent and 5% very-poor to poor," said USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "Montana continues to lead the nation 41% very-poor to poor but coming on strong late in the year Washington state, wow 38% very-poor to poor, as developing drought and heat take its toll on the spring wheat crop.”

On the positive side, 21% of Washington’s crop is considered good to excellent.  Currently 14% of Idaho’s spring wheat crop is considered very-poor to poor.

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