Pacific Northwest Wheat Progress

U.S. winter wheat production is forecast at 1.40 billion bushels, down from 10 percent from 2012. Based on May 1 conditions, the United States yield is forecast at 45.4 bushels per acre, down 1.8 bushels from the previous year.

In the Pacific Northwest production across the region is forecasted to be down 2 percent from 2012 due to decreased yields in Washington and Idaho.

In Washington, production is forecast to reach 116.3 million bushels, down 2 percent from 2012. Yields are expected to average 68.0 bushels per acre. Growers planted an estimated 1.74 million acres in the fall of 2012 and are forecast to harvest 1.71 million acres this summer, 40,000 acres more than last year.

In Idaho, production is forecast at 56.2 million bushels, down 5 percent from 2012. Yields are expected to average 76.0 bushels per acre. Growers planted an estimated 780,000 acres in the fall of 2012 and are forecast to harvest 740,000 acres this summer, the same as last year.

In Oregon, production is forecast at 52.9 million bushels, up 2 percent from 2012. Yields are expected to average 67.0 bushels per acre. Growers planted an estimated 800,000 acres in the fall of 2012 and are forecast to harvest 790,000 acres this summer, an increase of 5,000 acres from the previous year.

USDA Chief Economist Joe Glauber says

Glauber: “Clearly a critical report that is now looming is that acreage report at the end of June where we will really be looking to get a clear idea about how much acreage was planted.”