Winter Wheat Numbers Unchanged

The national winter wheat condition is pretty well locked in for the season.

"It has not changed much, one point swing in both good-to-excellent ratings, very poor-to-poor ratings," said USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "So, we are looking at 37% good-to-excellent, 35% very poor-to-poor. Obviously we are past the point of no return across the Southern Plains where the crop is being harvested."

And Rippey said that harvest is only going to pick up in intensity in the coming days.

"Now, with the hot, dry weather in the Southern Plains, we did see a big jump in winter wheat harvesting. Harvesting just getting underway, mostly in the southern-most production areas, 5% of the harvest complete by June 3rd, that's 1% higher than the 4% average, and a little bit behind last year's 9%."

Meanwhile, Rippey added winter wheat heading is on schedule at 83%, which is equal to the five-year average.

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