Winter wheat heading lagging in PNW
Farm and Ranch June 9, 2010 The USDA this week made its first report on the progress of harvest for the 2010 U.S. winter wheat crop. At the start of this week three percent of the crop had been cut which compares to a five year average for this time of six percent. As for the rest of the still developing winter wheat, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey tells us: Rippey: “Heading progress moving up into the northern Plains and into the Northwest. Heading now 84% of the U.S. crop. Last year also 84%. Five year average 86%. Heading just getting underway in the last week in Montana.” The cool weather in the Pacific Northwest has winter wheat heading running about ten points behind the five year average with the crop 75 percent headed in Oregon, 53 percent headed in Washington and ten percent headed in Idaho. The cool, wet weather has meant disease issues in the PNW, particularly stripe rust but the winter wheat crop in the region is still in good to excellent condition. Nationally winter wheat is rated at 66 percent good to excellent. Most of the spring wheat is emerged in the Pacific Northwest and USDA’s Rippey says that’s the case across the country. Rippey: “Ninety percent of the spring wheat emerged. Four points behind the five year average but ahead of last year‘s number of 82%. Very, very good conditions for the spring wheat crop, 84% good to excellent.” Most of the U.S. corn crop is up and growing and rated at 76 percent good to excellent condition. I’m Bob Hoff and that’s the Northwest Farm and Ranch Report on Northwest Aginfo Net. ?
