MANDAN, N.D. — Emergence of the U.S. spring wheat crop is at 80 percent, still slightly ahead of average. Most of the crop has emerged in Minnesota and South Dakota but is still lagging a bit in Montana and North Dakota with about three-fourths emerged. Producers in North Dakota continue to report slow emergence and uneven stands due to dry conditions. The most recent USDA Crop Progress report indicates that 43 percent of the U.S. spring wheat is rated in good to excellent condition, compared to 80 percent a year ago. This is the lowest condition rating for this time of the year since 1988. Conditions vary widely across the region – in North Dakota only 31 percent is rated in good to excellent condition compared to 80 percent in Minnesota.
The U.S. Drought monitor shows that the majority of North Dakota is classified as being in extreme to exceptional drought conditions. Very little moisture was received across the state over the past week, with the exception of the southwest and far southern parts of the state where rainfall ranged from just under a half inch to just over an inch. Overall, the entire state remains quite dry and producers are very concerned about this week’s forecast that shows above average temperatures and little to no precipitation. Temperatures near the end of the week could reach the mid to upper 90’s (Fahrenheit) which will stress crops. In areas where there was soil moisture at planting and recent precipitation, wheat crops look decent, but more moisture is needed. In some areas where the crop is just emerging or already in poor condition, producers are concerned that the weather conditions this week could end their chances of a viable wheat crop.
The durum wheat crop in North Dakota is about 88 percent planted and about half has emerged. The southwest part of the state did receive some moisture over the last week which will be beneficial. The northwest portion missed out on most of the precipitation and the durum crop as a whole will need timely precipitation to carry the crop through the growing season. Unfortunately, the forecast for the current week shows very little chances for precipitation and above average temperatures. Crop condition ratings were not available in this week’s report.
| Wheat Planted by State | 6/30/21 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 yr. Avg |
| ND Spring | 97 | 94 | 83 | 92 |
| ND Durum | 88 | 78 | 85 | 85 |
| Minnesota | 100 | 100 | 95 | 96 |
| Montana | 94 | 87 | 96 | 93 |
| South Dakota | 100 | 99 | 99 | 96 |
| U.S. | 97 | 94 | 90 | 93 |
As of May 30, 2021
| Wheat Emerged by State | 6/30/21 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 yr. Avg |
| ND Spring | 76 | 58 | 49 | 69 |
| ND Durum | 50 | 34 | 49 | 57 |
| Minnesota | 97 | 93 | 68 | 81 |
| Montana | 74 | 58 | 81 | 69 |
| South Dakota | 93 | 87 | 89 | 87 |
| U.S. | 80 | 66 | 65 | 73 |
| Current Crop Condition by State | Very Poor |
Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Overall |
| ND Spring 5/23/21 |
6 4 |
21 15 |
42 50 |
27 28 |
4 3 |
302 311 |
| ND Durum 5/23/21 |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
n/a n/a |
| Minnesota 5/23/21 |
0 0 |
2 0 |
18 16 |
64 68 |
16 16 |
394 400 |
| Montana 5/23/21 |
1 0 |
10 8 |
30 30 |
59 59 |
0 3 |
347 357 |
| South Dakota 5/23/21 |
0 2 |
9 8 |
46 43 |
45 47 |
0 0 |
336 335 |
| U.S. 5/23/21 |
4 2 |
16 12 |
37 41 |
39 41 |
4 4 |
323 333 |
As of May 30, 2021
— North Dakota Wheat Commission
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