Spring Wheat Planting Progress Ahead in PNW

Earlier this week the USDA's Crop Progress Report stated that the Pacific Northwest region is well ahead of the five year average in spring wheat planting. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey says??Rippey: "Overall 18 percent of the spring wheat crop planted by April 27th — well behind the average of 30 percent, but ahead of last year's 11 percent. Planting is well ahead of average in the Northwestern states Idaho for example Idaho at 93 percent complete compared to the five-year average of 62 percent."??In Washington, spring wheat planting is also ahead at 77 percent planted compared to the five-year average of 69 percent. ??Although that isn't necessarily the case across all of the country as Rippey explains cool soils continue to be an impediment to spring wheat planting in some states.??Rippey: "But the first few acres were seeded in states like Minnesota — now 2 percent complete, five-year average 39 percent. North Dakota inching ahead to 3 percent planted versus to the five-year average of 19 percent. Spring wheat emergence 5 percent, five-year average 9 percent. Last year — another very slow year like this year — just 3 percent emerged by April 27th."??Winter wheat conditions reported for our region include: 88 percent of Idaho's crop in good to excellent condition. In Washington 40 percent is rated good to excellent with another 42 percent considered fair. For Oregon's winter wheat crop 49 percent is rated good to excellent and 46 percent fair.