PNW Spring Wheat Planting Ahead of Nation

PNW Spring Wheat Planting Ahead of Nation

According to USDA’s weekly Crop Progress Report, the Pacific Northwest States are well ahead of the rest of the country in spring wheat planting. In Idaho as of May 11th, 97 percent of spring wheat has been planted which compares to the five-year average of 86 percent. Spring wheat emergence in Idaho is at 72 percent and compares with a 52 percent five year average. So far Idaho’s spring wheat is rated 79 percent good to excellent.

In Washington as well 97 percent of the spring wheat has been planted, compared to 89 percent for the five year average. Emergence of spring wheat was at 76 percent compared to five year average of 68 percent. Crop condition is reported at 50 percent good to excellent and 40 percent at fair.

In Oregon, only spring wheat emergence was reported at 92 percent with a comparison to the five-year average of 76 percent. As far as crop condition in Oregon 59 percent was rated good to excellent and 37 percent fair.

USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, says nationally spring wheat planting is only a third of the way along.

Rippey: “Back in the north where we have had all kinds of troubles with planting — in Montana and across the Northern Plains — as a whole with cool wet conditions persisting into May. Spring wheat planting only about a one-third complete by May 11th, 34 percent nationally, five-year average 53 percent. This is a just little bit behind even last year’s very slow pace 40 percent planted on this date in 2013.”

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