Winter Wheat
Colorado has the second lowest-rated winter wheat crop in the nation, thanks to ongoing low soil moisture and not enough precipitation falling from the skies. And that’s a slight improvement from the number one position.
USDA meteorologist, Brad Rippey, has a look at the states that have the lowest winter wheat condition ratings.
Rippey: ” Texas where it was quite warm and dry for the week, taking the number one spot in terms of very poor to poor ratings. 36% is the new number there. And Texas is up from just 30% a week ago. So that drops Colorado to the number two spot in terms of the lowest-rated wheat steady at 34% very poor to poor. But in South Dakota where we saw some much-needed rain, a big improvement in the overall wheat condition there. A week ago, 25% of the crop was rated very poor to poor. With a nice dose of rain that has improved to just 12% very poor to poor. In the number one production state - Kansas, 16% of the crop rated very poor to poor. That’s a slight improvement from last week’s 17%.”
Colorado Crop Progress Report for the week showed that in the northeastern counties, planting preparations progressed but soil temperatures remained cold. A county report noted cold temperatures held winter wheat progress back slightly in the area. A county report also noted producers expressed concern about possible reduced irrigation water supplies this season. East central counties received a bit of welcome moisture last week. But high winds were also observed, counteracting most benefits of the precipitation. In southwestern counties, no moisture was received last week. And extremely high winds were reported. Most of the district remains in extreme to exceptional drought according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor report.
