Slow Planting

Winter wheat planting is behind the normal pace here in Washington, as most growers have had to contend with continued dry weather. The light moisture that has fallen across much of Washington this week is providing wheat growers with some much needed moisture. Glen Squires CEO of the Washington Association of Wheat Growers talks about soil conditions before these most recent rains.

SQUIRES: We’re hearing, regardless of the county, we’re in dry conditions. Top soil moisture is 34% below the five year average. Sub soil moisture is not quite as bad, it’s down 11% from average. The crop really needs the moisture.

Squires says that because of the lack of moisture over the last several weeks winter wheat planting has been spotty.

SQUIRES: The crops about 75% planted, maybe a little bit more than that. Because of the lack of moisture growers held off for a little while. Many just kind of dusted in, and they’re hoping for some more moisture to get things moving.

Squires also says that while wheat prices are bouncing around a bit, they’re still at relatively high levels.

SQUIRES: I think the current was about $8.60 Portland on average for soft white wheat. Prices are still relatively strong. Essentially, the situation is tighter than previously considered and estimated, so that’s helping to keep prices up. Conditions in Russia are dry, Australia is dry, or I should say their yield and output is not as high as previously thought. The world supply is down, so that’s helping to keep prices up.

I’m Lacy Gray and that’s Washington Ag Today on the Ag Information Network.