MANDAN, N.D. — Harvest of the spring wheat crop continues at a faster than average pace. The most recent USDA Crop Progress report indicates that 77 percent of the U.S. crop has been harvested, well ahead of last year’s pace of 46 percent and the five-year average of 55 percent. Harvest is nearing completion in Minnesota and South Dakota. In North Dakota, about 73 percent has been harvested, compared to only 36 percent a year ago. Harvest was delayed some over the weekend as precipitation fell across much of the state. While the precipitation interrupted harvest activities, it was much appreciated to help replenish soil moisture.
As reported in previous updates, yield reports from producers confirm below average estimates. Some producers have reported yields that surpassed their expectations but are still much lower than previous years. Other producers report yields that came in much lower than expected. Yields also continue to be quite variable depending on when and where rains were received.
So far, very few quality issues have been reported in this year’s spring wheat crop. There have been some isolated reports of lower than average test weights, especially in western areas, but overall, most reports indicated test weights of 60 pounds per bushel or higher. Protein level are high, as well as vitreous kernel content. The NDSU Wheat Quality lab is in the process of analyzing the 2021 spring wheat crop quality samples and have done quality testing on approximately 40 percent of the expected samples. Protein in those samples is averaging 15.3 percent (12 percent moisture basis) and test weight average is 61.7 pounds per bushel (81.1 kg/hl). Falling numbers are averaging over 400 seconds and the crop currently grades a No. 1 Dark Northern Spring with an average vitreous kernel content of 87 percent. This quality data is updated on a weekly basis as the lab receives samples and will change as the harvest progresses.
Durum harvest pace is also well ahead of average. In North Dakota, about 57 percent has been harvested compared to 30 percent at this time a year ago. Condition of the remaining crop is low with only 28 percent rated in good to excellent condition and half rated as poor to very poor. Yield reports from producers are quite variable. Some producers are reporting yields near average, but many are reporting below average yields. While no quality data is available yet from the NDSU Wheat Quality lab, producer reports so far are indicating decent test weights and color so far.
Wheat Harvested by State | 8/22/21 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 yr. Avg |
ND Spring | 73 | 48 | 36 | 50 |
ND Durum | 57 | 32 | 30 | 24 |
Minnesota | 98 | 92 | 51 | 59 |
Montana | 69 | 54 | 52 | 52 |
South Dakota | 95 | 80 | 90 | 81 |
U.S. | 77 | 58 | 46 | 55 |
As of August 22, 2021
— N.D. Wheat Commission
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