Winter Wheat Harvest Underway

The winter wheat crop continues to progress at a quick pace.  As of June 1st, 83% of the national crop is headed, slightly ahead of both the five-year average of 79%, and last year's 82%.  USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said harvest is already underway is some portions of the country.

“Showing 3% of the crop harvested that is right on par with the five-year average, but slightly behind last year's 5%," Rippey said.  "Leading the way among the eighteen production states, harvest progress is Texas 1/4 of the crop harvested by June 1st, just behind the five year average of 27%.”

When it comes to the quality of the crop.

“Won't be looking at this for too many more weeks, but we will until the harvest approaches or reaches the 50% mark," Rippey said.  "Across [the country] 52% good to excellent 18% very-poor to poor.  A week ago those numbers were 50% good to excellent, 19% very-poor to poor.” 

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