Durum quality is high despite spotty issues with yields.
By Scout Nelson
The 2023 durum wheat harvest in the northern U.S. is nearing completion, with North Dakota about 80% harvested and Montana at 95%. According to Erica Olson of the North Dakota Wheat Commission, local cash bids for durum range from $6.25 to $7.
The higher prices reflect near-term demand, with good overall harvest conditions supporting progress. In North Dakota, yields are looking strong, while
Montana has experienced lower yields due to dry growing conditions.
Despite some minor quality issues in drier areas and regions affected by harvest rain, Olson noted that the overall crop quality is good. North of the U.S. border, Canada’s durum harvest in Saskatchewan is over 60% complete.
While Canada saw lower yields due to dry conditions, their production is forecast to be up nearly 50% from last year, reaching 220 million bushels.
Even with slight reductions in both U.S. and Canadian production estimates, Olson highlighted that North American supplies remain adequate. However, global supply and demand are tight due to production shortfalls in Europe and North Africa. Turkey is expected to export large quantities of durum, which could affect the market in the coming months.
Domestically, demand for durum remains strong, but export demand has been lower, with U.S. sales down 17% compared to last year. As the harvest wraps up, demand from regions with lower production, such as Europe and North Africa, is expected to increase, likely leading to competition between U.S., Canada, and Turkey for those markets.
Photo Credit - gettyimages-alex-chai
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Wheat