Winter Wheat Planting Off From 2017

Winter wheat planting is progressing slower than last year.

"Like so many other crops, we have delays in field work. First of all the plant process, 84% complete by November 4th. That's behind the 5-year average of 90%. Last year at this time we were at 90%," said USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey.  "Obviously with the later planting, in many areas as well other issues such as drought in the northwest, we have seen some emergence delays as well. 70% of the crop emerged by November 4th. The 5-year average is 77%. Last year 74%."

Rippey also noted the condition ratings.

"We saw, actually, declines in the good to excellent rating, and declines also in the very poor to poor rating.  So a mixed bag on the condition numbers.  That just means we threw more of the crop into the fair category."

51% is rated good to excellent, down two points from last week. 12% is rated very poor to poor, which also down two points from last week.

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