Winter Wheat Harvest Slows

The winter wheat harvest has slowed slightly.

“Nationally, 4% of the winter wheat acreage harvested by June 8th," said USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "That's only one point increase from the previous week.  At 4%, that figure is three points behind the five-year average of 7%. Even further behind last year's 11%.”

So, why has harvest slowed down over the past week?

“We are seeing some disruptions in harvest activities across the South," Rippey noted.  "Producers would really like to see some drier weather get that harvest moving along in states like Arkansas and even into the southern Plains.

“Oklahoma advanced during the week from just 4% to 5% harvested on winter wheat, the five-year average is 23%," Rippey added.  "The pretty dramatic delay everything was effectively shut down across that portion of the Southern Plains last week.” 

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