U.S. Wheat Production Hits Decades-Long Low

As the U.S. wheat harvest wraps up, the USDA's July crop production report shows that extreme heat and dry conditions have taken a toll on the crop. Anthony Prillaman with the National Agricultural Statistics Service.

“As of July 1st, yield is forecasted 46.7 bushels per acre. That is down two-tenths of a percent, or just 1/10 of a bushel from last month's forecast, and down 14.9% or 8.2 bushels, from the previous year. Reduction is forecast at 990 million bushels. That is down 3.8% from the June forecast, mainly due to that reduction in harvested acreage, and down 29.3% from 2025. This year's forecasted production of 990 million bushels. If realized, this will represent the lowest U.S. production since 1963.

Prillaman says that hard red winter wheat is down substantially.”

“Hard red at nearly 471 million bushels is down 5.2% from the June forecast and down 41.5 percent from last season. If realized, this will be the lowest hard red production in the U.S. since 1957.”

And USDA World Outlook Board Chair Mark Jackanowski on how this is reflected in the all wheat production forecast.”

Total U.S. wheat production at just over 1.5 billion bushels. If realized, would be the lowest U.S. production since the 1970-71.