Uncover the Winter Wheat Story Across the Nation

Washington

Washington stands out as the state with the longest winter wheat planting duration among the top 18. Farmers completed the planting by the week ending Oct. 27, a full 4% ahead of the five-year average. Moreover, 100% of the winter wheat has now completely emerged, showing an increase of 1 percentage point from the previous week and being 7 percentage points ahead of the average. USDA rated the state's winter wheat as 2% very poor, 8% poor, 37% fair, 42% good, and 11% excellent.

The early completion of planting and the good emergence progress highlight Washington's agricultural prowess in winter wheat cultivation. This sets a positive tone for the state's agricultural sector and indicates a promising harvest ahead.

Nebraska

Nebraska farmers managed to get their entire winter wheat in the ground by the week ending Nov. 3, which was in line with the five-year average. As of Nov. 17, 91% of the crop had emerged, with only a 1-percentage-point increase from the previous week. However, winter wheat emergence in Nebraska is still behind the five-year average of 99%. USDA rated Nebraska's winter wheat at 7% very poor, 20% poor, 39% fair, 28% good, and 6% excellent.

The state's relatively stable planting progress but slightly behind emergence indicates that there is still room for improvement. Nebraska's farmers will need to focus on ensuring optimal conditions for the remaining wheat to catch up with the average and achieve a successful harvest.

Idaho

Idaho completed its winter wheat planting by the week ending Nov. 10, on track with the five-year average. With planting wrapped up, emergence reached 95% by Nov. 17, just shy of the five-year average of 96%. Only 1% of Idaho's winter wheat was rated less than fair, with the overall rating being 0% very poor, 1% poor, 52% fair, 41% good, and 6% excellent.

The smooth planting and near-average emergence in Idaho showcase the state's efficient agricultural operations. The relatively high percentage of fair and good-rated wheat indicates a healthy crop with potential for a good yield.

South Dakota

Winter wheat planting in South Dakota was completed by the week ending Nov. 10, on par with the five-year average. By Nov. 17, emergence of the crop reached 83%, an increase of 8 percentage points from the previous week. Despite this progress, it is still 11 percentage points behind the five-year average. USDA rated South Dakota's winter wheat as 4% very poor, 27% poor, 43% fair, 22% good, and 4% excellent.

The state's on-time planting and the significant increase in emergence show that South Dakota is making good progress. However, the gap in emergence compared to the average indicates that there are areas where farmers can focus on improving soil conditions and other factors to enhance wheat growth.

Michigan

Michigan also achieved 100% winter wheat planting by the week ending Nov. 10, which was 8 percentage points ahead of the five-year average for the state. Wheat emergence reached 96% as of Nov. 17, 4 percentage points higher than the previous week. Emergence is actually 8 percentage points ahead of the five-year average. USDA rated the state's crop as 0% very poor, 1% poor, 25% fair, 57% good, and 17% excellent.

Michigan's early and successful planting, along with the excellent emergence progress, bodes well for the state's winter wheat production. The high percentage of good-rated wheat suggests that the crop is in good shape and has the potential for a fruitful harvest.

Montana

Winter wheat planting in Montana reached 100% by the week ending Nov. 17, an increase of 1 percentage point from the previous week and 1 percentage point ahead of the five-year average. Emergence hit 91%, with a 5-percentage-point increase from the previous week and being 3 percentage points ahead of the average. USDA rated Montana's winter wheat at 6% very poor, 9% poor, 50% fair, 35% good, and 0% excellent. It is the only one of the top 18 states with no excellent-rated crop.

Montana's successful planting and the notable increase in emergence demonstrate the state's agricultural capabilities. The relatively high percentage of fair and good-rated wheat indicates that the crop is in decent condition, although the absence of excellent-rated wheat presents a challenge that farmers will need to address.

Ohio

In Ohio, winter wheat planting reached 100% by the week ending Nov. 17, an increase of 1 percentage point from the previous week and ahead of the five-year average of 99%. Emergence reached 94% by Nov. 17, an increase of 8 percentage points from the previous week, putting the state 2 percentage points ahead of the average. USDA rated Ohio's winter wheat as 1% very poor, 4% poor, 36% fair, 47% good, and 12% excellent.

Ohio's timely planting and the significant improvement in emergence highlight the state's agricultural efficiency. The balanced rating of the wheat crop suggests that there are areas of strength and areas that need further attention to ensure a high-quality harvest.

Oregon

Oregon's winter wheat planting wrapped up on Nov. 17, just ahead of the five-year average of 98%. Emergence hit 88% by Nov. 17, with a remarkable 16-percentage-point increase in the week and far exceeding the five-year average of 74%. The state's crop was rated 2% very poor, 8% poor, 30% fair, 37% good, and 23% excellent.

Oregon's early completion of planting and the substantial increase in emergence showcase the state's agricultural success. The high percentage of good-rated wheat indicates that the crop is in excellent condition and has the potential for a bountiful harvest.