How Are Wildfires Impacting Winter Wheat Harvest?

As fires continue to burn across all three states, what impact is that having on winter wheat harvest for Washington, Idaho and Oregon?  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey noted one of the biggest hinderances for harvest has been the heavy smoke and very poor air quality numbers.

“That said, though, we are still seeing some progress," Rippey said.  "In Idaho, 31% harvested, staying ahead of the five-year average of 29%.  Ad then in hard hit Washington state with the wildfires reaching the halfway mark on the winter wheat harvest that is slightly ahead of the five-year average of 46%.”

For Oregon, 73% of the winter wheat crop has been harvested, ahead of the five-year average of 69%, and a significant jump from the 48% reported just a week earlier.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com