Spring Wheat Harvest Exceeds Expectations; Winter Wheat Planting Lags Behind
The progress of spring wheat harvest in the US last week exceeded trade expectations, but winter wheat planting lagged slightly behind.
The USDA’s crop progress report on Monday indicated that by Sunday, 85% of the American spring wheat harvest was completed, marking a 15-point increase over the previous week. This is 2 points ahead of the five-year average and has surpassed the pre-report trade estimates by 2 points.
On the other hand, only 6% of winter wheat planting had reached the ground by Sunday, which was a 4-point increase from the previous week. While this aligns with the five-year average, it fell 2 points short of trade expectations.
In North Dakota, the largest spring wheat-producing state, the harvest progressed by 18 points from the previous week, reaching 79% completion as of Sunday, which is 2 points ahead of last year and 1 point above the average. Harvests in Minnesota and Montana were reported at 89% and 91% completion, respectively, compared to 75% and 77% the previous week, and their averages of 86% and 85%.
In South Dakota, the spring wheat harvest is nearly complete, with 97% collected by Sunday, matching the five-year average.
Kansas, the leading producer, completed 4% of winter wheat planting by Sunday, which is a 3% delay compared to the average. No planting has been reported in Oklahoma yet, compared to an expected 4%.
In Michigan, soft red winter wheat planting was 2% completed by Sunday (against an average of 0%), while producers in Ohio had yet to start.
John Peterson graduated with a degree in Agricultural Sciences from Wageningen University in the Netherlands. His specialization is in sustainable crop production and soil health management. John is passionate about integrating modern technology with traditional farming methods to enhance productivity while preserving the environment. He currently works as a consultant, helping farmers adopt sustainable practices.