MANDAN, N.D. — Spring wheat crop conditions declined once again this week. Only 20 percent of the U.S. crop is rated in good to excellent condition, down from 27 percent a week ago and a dramatic decline compared to 69 percent a year ago. As has been mentioned in previous reports, these are the lowest crop condition ratings since 1988. Condition ratings dropped the most in Minnesota and Montana while increasing slightly in North Dakota and South Dakota. Nearly 40 percent of the U.S. spring wheat is rated in poor to very poor condition as hot temperatures early in the growing season and lack of moisture have stressed crops and greatly reduced yield potential. Crop development remains ahead of average with almost half the U.S. spring wheat crop headed out.
In North Dakota, producers once again saw some precipitation, but nothing that was widespread or very substantial in nature. Temperatures were close to average last week, but the forecast for the next ten days indicates a return to warmer temperatures. Producers continue to report variable crop prospects ranging from average yield potential in the areas that had decent growing conditions to fields being abandoned in areas that have received very little moisture. The conditions vary quite a bit depending on when the field was planted and if precipitation was received. The consensus among producers is an expectation of a below average crop, with the biggest unknown question being – how much below average?
Durum condition ratings in North Dakota remained fairly stable this week with just over half of the crop rated in good to excellent condition. About 20 percent of the crop has headed out, slightly ahead of last year. Similar to spring wheat, durum conditions and yield potential vary widely depending on planting date and if producers received precipitation.
Wheat Headed by State | 6/27/21 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 yr. Avg |
ND Spring | 42 | 18 | 27 | 36 |
ND Durum | 19 | 3 | 15 | 25 |
Minnesota | 84 | 62 | 40 | 49 |
Montana | 28 | 14 | 21 | 21 |
South Dakota | 79 | 64 | 72 | 67 |
U.S. | 48 | 27 | 33 | 39 |
As of June 27, 2021
Current Crop Condition by State | Very Poor | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Overall |
ND Spring 6/20/21 | 19 23 | 25 27 | 36 31 | 18 18 | 2 1 | 259 247 |
ND Durum 6/20/21 | 6 8 | 13 17 | 30 24 | 43 44 | 8 7 | 334 325 |
Minnesota 6/20/21 | 11 4 | 21 13 | 39 35 | 28 45 | 1 3 | 287 330 |
Montana 6/20/21 | 3 4 | 25 14 | 51 39 | 19 40 | 2 3 | 292 324 |
South Dakota 6/13/21 | 22 14 | 27 25 | 41 56 | 10 5 | 0 0 | 239 252 |
U.S. 6/20/21 | 14 15 | 25 22 | 41 36 | 18 25 | 2 2 | 269 277 |
As of June 27, 2021
— North Dakota Wheat Commission
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