Winter Wheat Crop Struggling Locally, Nationally

Whether you call it a late summer, or beautiful fall; regardless of the name you give it, the weather we’ve seen not only here in the Northwest but across much of the country has been good for harvest, from grapes and tree fruit here in the Northwest, to corn and soybeans in the heartland.  But, the news isn’t all good.

"And what is of foremost concern at this point is what is happening to this winter wheat crop.” 

In some areas, very little is happening, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said planting progress has slowed down to a crawl.  Latest numbers show only 80% of the crop has been planted nationwide, that's 4% below the five-year average, and down 2% from what we saw this time last year.

“That is clearly reflecting some of the delays related to producers unwilling to plant into dry conditions," Rippey added.  "This is a crop that is troubled.  Just 38% of the crop rated good to excellent, 23%, very poor to poor.”

As far as local numbers are concerned:  

• In Idaho, 94% of the crop has been planted, and 69% has emerged
• In Oregon, 93% of the crop is in the ground, while 58% has emerged
• In Washington, 100% of the crop has been planted, and 89% has emerged. 

When it comes to quality, 46% of Idaho’s crop is Good to Excellent, 60% of Oregon's is in the same category, while 49% of Washington’s winter wheat is considered Good to Excellent. On the other side, 12% of Oregon’s crop, and 22% of Washington’s winter wheat crop is considered Poor to Very Poor.

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com