MANDAN, N.D. — Producers in North Dakota were able to make fairly good planting progress in the last week as temperatures returned to normal and soil temperatures warmed up. According to the most recent USDA Crop Progress report, almost half of the U.S. spring wheat crop has been planted, up from 28 percent last week and the average of 32 percent. Every major spring wheat saw a large jump in planting progress as producers can plant large amounts of acreage in a short time with the right weather conditions. Planting is most advanced in South Dakota with about 80 percent of the crop planted, followed by Minnesota at 72 percent, North Dakota at 42 percent and Montana at 33 percent.
While planting progress advanced nicely last week, the main concern continues to be the dry conditions. In North Dakota over 80 percent of the topsoil and subsoil moisture is rated as being short to very short. Producers are reporting that some of the crop planted 3 or even 4 weeks ago is now just starting to emerge and, in some cases, emergence is uneven due to the lack of moisture. Planting progress varies quite a bit across the state and even within a small area as some producers report being finished with planting and others just getting started. With the dry conditions and streak of cold weather prior to last week, many producers opted to wait to start in hopes that they would receive moisture. About six percent of the North Dakota spring wheat has emerged.
Durum planting in the state is about 22 percent complete, ahead of both last year and the five-year average. Most of the durum producing region is in the western portion of the state where drought conditions are rated as extreme, so the biggest concern right now is having enough moisture. In the last week little to no moisture has been received. Producers are planting into very dry soil conditions and precipitation will be needed for emergence and plant growth. About two percent of the durum has emerged.
Wheat Planted by State | 5/2/21 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 yr. Avg |
ND Spring | 42 | 22 | 14 | 20 |
ND Durum | 22 | 7 | 12 | 10 |
Minnesota | 72 | 19 | 19 | 27 |
Montana | 33 | 20 | 30 | 34 |
South Dakota | 81 | 63 | 57 | 54 |
U.S. | 49 | 28 | 27 | 32 |
As of May 2, 2021
Wheat Emerged by State | 5/2/21 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 yr. Avg |
ND Spring | 6 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
ND Durum | 2 | 0 | n/a | n/a |
Minnesota | 19 | 1 | 3 | 8 |
Montana | 6 | 1 | 1 | 7 |
South Dakota | 46 | 28 | 16 | 26 |
U.S. | 14 | 7 | 6 | 10 |
As of May 2, 2021
— North Dakota Wheat Commission
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