Weekly Wheat Update
Every Wednesday during the growing season (generally April through September), the North Dakota Wheat Commission issues a weekly wheat report report to update buyers on growing conditions, yield potential, crop health, disease concerns, quality, etc. The Commission utilizes the USDA NASS weekly crop progress reports and crop reports from producers, elevators, extension agents and agronomists to develop the report.
Weekly Wheat Update July 8, 2020
The past week brought additional precipitation to much of the state, boosting soil moisture levels and stabilizing or improving crop conditions. The moisture is widely considered beneficial although some producers in western areas of the state say it came too late to help much with the spring wheat crop, while other isolated areas have gotten a little too much precipitation. Rainfall totals ranged from just under an inch to 5 -6 inches. The moisture and higher humidity have brought about increased disease pressure and producers are busy scouting fields and applying fungicide as needed.
According to the most recent USDA Crop Progress Report, condition ratings improved slightly over the last week. 70% of the U.S. spring wheat crop is rated in good to excellent condition, up one percentage point from last week. In North Dakota 61% is rated in the top two categories compared to 59% the previous week. Nearly two-thirds of the U.S. spring wheat crop has headed out, just slightly behind average, but well ahead of last year. In Montana and North Dakota 50-60% has headed out while 85-90% has headed out in Minnesota and South Dakota.
Durum producers in North Dakota welcomed additional precipitation in the last week, with most durum areas receiving close to an inch of rain or more. The rain was extremely beneficial overall, but as mentioned in previous reports, it likely came too late for some of the crop and will not benefit the yield potential in areas. Additional precipitation will be needed throughout the remainder of the growing season. Crop condition ratings improved from last week with 66% of the state’s durum rated in good to excellent condition, up from only 48% last week. Crop development is ahead of last year and the five-year average with 56% headed out.
Wheat Headed by State |
7/5/20 |
Last Week |
Last Year |
5 yr. Avg |
| ND Spring |
59 |
30 |
45 |
68 |
| ND Durum |
56 |
17 |
37 |
51 |
| Minnesota |
85 |
45 |
64 |
83 |
| Montana |
50 |
24 |
31 |
49 |
| South Dakota |
90 |
77 |
54 |
83 |
| U.S. |
63 |
36 |
47 |
68 |
As of July 5, 2020
| Crop Condition by State |
Very Poor |
Poor |
Fair |
Good |
Excellent |
Total |
| ND Spring |
2 |
7 |
30 |
55 |
6 |
356 |
| ND Durum |
1 |
6 |
27 |
62 |
4 |
362 |
| Minnesota |
3 |
3 |
17 |
67 |
10 |
378 |
| Montana |
0 |
3 |
15 |
65 |
17 |
396 |
| South Dakota |
1 |
6 |
25 |
59 |
9 |
369 |
| U.S. |
1 |
5 |
24 |
59 |
11 |
374 |
As of July 5, 2020