Crop condition ratings in the U.S. hard red spring wheat region decreased due to hot temperatures and variable precipitation. Crop stress and accelerated maturity were observed, particularly in southern areas with the hottest temperatures. All regions experienced some decline in ratings due to inconsistent moisture patterns. However, areas fortunate to receive thunderstorm rains fared better. The region eagerly awaits additional precipitation and cooler temperatures, which are expected in the coming week.
North Dakota's spring wheat crop is nearly 100 percent emerged, ahead of last year's progress. About 7 percent of the crop has reached the heading stage. Nationally, 10 percent of the crop has headed, in line with the average. South Dakota leads in crop advancement, with 50 percent already headed. Minnesota and Montana trail behind at 4 percent and 2 percent headed, respectively.
North Dakota's spring wheat crop ratings declined, with 12 percent rated poor to very poor, up from 6 percent the previous week. The percentage of the crop rated good to excellent also decreased from 67 percent to 55 percent. Nationally, 51 percent of the crop is rated good to excellent, and 12 percent is rated poor to very poor, slightly below the previous week's ratings and last year's figures.
The development of North Dakota's durum crop progressed well due to warmer temperatures, but ratings slightly declined. About 98 percent of the crop has emerged, with 6 percent already headed. Crop condition ratings show 76 percent as good to excellent and only 1 percent as poor to very poor. In Montana, cooler temperatures slowed crop development, with 12 percent rated poor to very poor and 28 percent rated good.
Both spring wheat and durum regions would benefit from additional precipitation to boost crop development and stabilize ratings.
Photo Credit: istock-zhaojiankang
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Wheat, Weather