MANDAN, N.D. — Spring wheat harvest continues to plug along at a slower than average pace.  Sporadic rainfall and cooler temperatures the past week have delayed progress in most areas of the state.  The week ahead looks to be warm and dry which should provide much better harvest conditions.  In the most recent USDA Crop Progress report, it is estimated that about a fourth of the spring wheat crop has been harvested in North Dakota, compared to 38% on average.  On a national basis, nearly 40% of the spring wheat has been harvested, slightly behind the five-year average.  Harvest is most advanced in South Dakota at 75%, followed by Montana at 60% and Minnesota at 41%.  Crop condition ratings on the crop remaining to be harvested declined again this week with 38% rated good to excellent and 23% in poor to very poor condition across the spring wheat region.

Many producers in North Dakota report they are seeing better than expected yields given the dry conditions throughout the growing season.  However, some producers are reporting disappointing yield results.  The best word to describe the crop continues to be variable.  Timing and amount of rainfall, temperatures during the growing season, and other weather factors are greatly impacting yield results.  So far test weights appear to be strong.  Protein values show quite a wide range – anywhere from 11 to 16%.  Protein is quite variable with some regions reporting values that are below their normal average, and other areas seeing average to above average levels.  It is important to note that these reports are only from a small portion of the earlier harvested crop and will change as harvest progresses.

Harvest of the durum crop also remains behind normal with about 15% of the North Dakota crop now harvested, compared to 29% on average.  Similar to spring wheat, sporadic rainfall has stalled harvest in areas, but the warmer, drier forecast for the new few days should help.  Producers are mostly reporting decent yields so far, but some below average yields due to drought stress.  Protein levels and test weights so far have been strong.  In Montana just under half of the durum acres have been harvested, ahead of the average pace.

— ND Wheat Commission