MANDAN, N.D. — Minimal planting progress was made in the last week across the state as temperatures were well below normal, falling below freezing many nights. A lot of the crop that has been seeded has been slow to emerge due to dry soil conditions and cool temperatures. Precipitation was minimal in the last week and the most current drought monitor indicates that the majority of North Dakota is still classified as being in a severe to extreme drought situation. The forecast shows temperatures warming mid-week and most producers indicate they hope to be in full-fledged seeding mode this week.
The USDA Crop Progress report shows spring wheat planting at 28 percent complete in the U.S., ahead of average. In South Dakota, almost two-thirds has been planted while Minnesota, Montana and North Dakota are all around 20 percent planted. North Dakota planting progress went from 13 percent last week to 22 percent this week. That number may be a bit optimistic as producers report a lot of “stop and go” type progress and are waiting for soil temperatures to warm. However, producers can plant a significant amount of acreage in a short time if and when weather conditions allow. Emergence has been slow with about two percent of the state’s spring wheat crop emerged. In North Dakota durum planting is about 10 percent complete, up from the average of four percent.
Wheat Planted by State | 4/25/21 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 yr. Avg |
ND Spring | 22 | 13 | 4 | 10 |
ND Durum | 10 | 7 | 3 | 4 |
Minnesota | 19 | 10 | 5 | 14 |
Montana | 20 | 15 | 10 | 22 |
South Dakota | 63 | 46 | 32 | 39 |
U.S. | 28 | 19 | 13 | 19 |
Wheat Emerged by State | 4/25/21 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 yr. Avg |
ND Spring | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
ND Durum | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a |
Minnesota | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
Montana | 1 | n/a | 0 | 1 |
South Dakota | 28 | 15 | 6 | 14 |
U.S. | 7 | n/a | 4 | 5 |
As of April 25, 2021
— North Dakota Wheat Commission
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