Wheat Plantings, Emergence Down Nationwide, Northwest

According to the USDA, cold wet weather moving across the middle portion of the United States has slowed down the winter wheat planting and emergence numbers nationwide.  Currently 65% of the crop has been planted which is behind the five-year average by two-percentage points.  However planting are ahead of this time last year.  National emergence sits at 44%, which is ahead of the five-year average.  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey does not expect those numbers to improve anytime soon.

“With the cold weather settling in and some snow, obviously the moisture is good in the long run, but we are likely to see a further slowdown in those emergence numbers as we move forward.”

As far as the Northwest is concerned:

• In Washington 75% of winter wheat has been planted, which is on pace with the five-year average.
• The emergence is only at 40% well off the five-year average of 55%.
• In Oregon, winter wheat plantings are at 42%, again on pace with the five-year average.
• The emergence is at 11%, below the five-year average of 13%.

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