News
Spring wheat planting nearing finish line
Spring wheat planting is nearing completion.
The USDA reports as of Sunday, 81% of the crop is planted nationwide, compared to 80% last year and the five-year average of 90%.
USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey says all states including South Dakota are at least 90% planted except for Minnesota at 86% and North Dakota at 70%, which is pulling down the national number.
“We saw planting advance from 41% to 70% complete during the week ending May 24th, however that remains far behind the five-year average of 88%.”
He says late planting and cold weather have also slowed emergence. Only 51% of the crop has emerged, ahead of last year, but still behind the average of 65%.
Ideally, spring wheat should emerge by June 1st to preserve top end yield potential.