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Would be Welcomed Across Northern Spring Wheat Region
North Dakota Ag Connection - 07/18/2018

The U.S. spring wheat crop condition ratings for the week ending Sunday held generally steady with the prior week with 80 percent rated good to excellent, and just 4 percent poor to very poor. In this week's ratings, the percent of the crop rated excellent fell one percent. Slight declines in overall crop ratings were noted across Minnesota and Montana although average crop conditions remain above average in both states and well above a year ago in MT. Some expansion in dryness was noted across the region with a period of hot temperatures and no widespread significant rains. By state crop ratings remain the highest in Minnesota, followed by North Dakota, Montana and South Dakota.

Crop development accelerated across Montana due to the hot temperatures, and notable gains were also seen across North Dakota. Nationally, more than 90 percent of the crop has reached the heading stage, ahead of a year ago and up from the 5-year average of 85 percent. In Minnesota and South Dakota, nearly all of the crop has headed and in South Dakota a good portion has begun to turn color. In North Dakota 94 percent of the crop was headed, with 28 percent beginning to turn color, both ahead of the 5 year average. In Montana, 83 percent was headed, also ahead of average and up sharply from just 68 percent the previous week.

Some additional rainfall would be welcome across many portions of the region to help the crop finish out and reach its promising potential for yield. Topsoil moisture levels remain generally more than 80 percent adequate in much of the region, but have slipped below 70 percent in Montana. The extended forecast appears to be bringing some relief in temperature with average to below average temps for a period. Disease threats remain above average in central and eastern parts of the region and many producers have been vigilant with fungicide applications.

The North Dakota and Montana durum crop conditions held mostly steady with the prior week with North Dakota showing 81 percent rated good to excellent, and in Montana 61 percent was rated good to excellent. Maturity of the crop continues to move well ahead of average in both states with North Dakota at 91 percent headed, compared to 64 percent for a 5 year average. In Montana 74 percent was headed, up from 59 percent for a typical pace for mid-July. In both states roughly 20 percent has begun to turn color. Considering the stage of the crop and recent stretch of hot temperatures, additional precipitation would be beneficial, as some areas that have missed recent rains may begin to show some crop stress.


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