MANDAN, N.D. — Crop condition ratings declined over much of the U.S. hard red spring wheat region for the week ending on June 18.  Hot temperatures, and variable precipitation were leading to crop stress in many areas, and advancing crop maturity.  Condition ratings declined the sharpest across southern parts of the region where temperatures have been the hottest, but all areas saw some decline due to the variability in recent moisture patterns.  Areas that have been fortunate to catch the thunderstorm rains are fairing better.  Much of the region would welcome additional precipitation and a period of cooler temperatures.  Near term forecasts are predicting more widespread rain in the coming week, and temperatures that are closer to average.

Emergence of the North Dakota spring wheat crop is nearly 100 percent complete, well ahead of a year ago, with 7 percent headed, also ahead of last year and the 5-year average.  Nationally, 10 percent of the crop has headed, on par with the 5-year average.  The HRS crop is most advanced in South Dakota where 50 percent is headed, well ahead of the 5-year average of 33 percent.  Minnesota and Montana are 4 and 2 percent headed, respectively.

The North Dakota spring wheat crop is now rated 12 percent poor to very poor, an increase from just 6 percent the previous week, and 55 percent good to excellent, a decline from 67 percent.  Nationally, 51 percent of the crop is rated good to excellent, and 12 percent poor to very poor, compared to 60 percent good to excellent and 7 percent poor to very poor the previous week.  The national crop ratings have now fallen slightly below last year at this time.

The North Dakota durum crop continues to advance in development, due to a period of warmer temperatures, and remains in mostly favorable condition, although down from previous weeks.  As of June 18, 98 percent of the crop was emerged, and 6% is headed, well ahead of a year ago.  Crop condition ratings have 76 percent rated good excellent, and just 1 percent poor to very poor.  This compares to 88 percent good to excellent, and 1 percent poor to very poor the previous week.  In Montana, cooler temperatures have kept crop development slower, but nearly all of the crop has emerged.  Crop ratings show 12 percent of the crop rated poor to very poor, and 28 percent good, compared to 2 percent poor to very poor, and 34 percent good the previous week.  None of the crop is rated excellent.  As with spring wheat regions, northern U.S. durum regions would benefit from additional precipitation to boost crop development and help stabilize crop ratings.

— ND Wheat Commission