Spring Wheat Development Lags, But in Mostly Good Condition

While the spring wheat crop continues to be behind in terms of development, condition of the crop so far is mostly good. The most recent USDA Crop Progress report shows about 66% of the U.S. crop rated in good to excellent condition, a notable increase from last year when only 16% was rated in good to excellent condition. Condition ratings are highest in Minnesota and North Dakota where 76-77% of the crop is rated in good to excellent condition, higher than last week. Producers in North Dakota report mostly adequate moisture and good crop conditions, although some areas could use some precipitation. Also notable is the wide distribution of developmental stages given some of the wheat was planted in early April, but a good portion not until after June 1. Some of the later planted crop did get hurt by the hot conditions right after emergence. In North Dakota, only 12% of the crop has headed out, well below the average of 55%, while South Dakota reports 64 percent of the crop is headed, up from 45 percent last week, but behind the below the average of 79 percent.

Durum growing conditions also remain favorable with mostly adequate moisture to help along crop development. Producers note that precipitation throughout the growing season will be needed to promote development and yield potential. 86% of the North Dakota durum is rated in good to excellent condition, up slightly from last week. Last year at this time, just under half of the crop was rated in good to excellent condition. Similar to spring wheat, development of the crop is well behind normal. About 10% has headed out, well behind 43% on average.

USDA released its acreage report on June 30. It was noted in the report that producers in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota will be resurveyed in July since many were still planting when the survey was done the first half of June. The June 30 report showed U.S. spring wheat acres at 11.1 million, compared to the March estimate of 11.2. Montana's acreage estimate dropped by 300,000 to 2.75 million, while North Dakota's spring wheat acreage estimate increased by 200,000 to 5.4 million from the March report. U.S. durum acres are projected to be just shy of 2 million, a potential 20% increase from a year ago. Montana's acreage estimate decline from the March survey, while North Dakota's increased. After the resurvey, updated acreage numbers may be released in August.