The quality of winter wheat is lagging behind where it was a year ago, likely because of dry conditions, according to today's U.S. Department of Agriculture's Crop Progress Report.
Just 53% of the crop in 18 selected states was rated to be in good or excellent condition for the week ending April 4 compared to 62% of the 2020 winter wheat crop at this point one year ago.
Four percent of the wheat is headed so far, compared to 3% for the four-year average.
Topsoil moisture is also down compared to last year, with 35% of the acreage categorized as less-than-adequate compared to 8% in 2020.
Corn planting, meanwhile, is getting underway, with 2% of the crop planted in 18 selected states.
This percentage is identical to the four-year average.
To see the full USDA report for April 5, click here.
Related Articles:
USDA Predicts U.S. Spring Wheat Planted Area Will Shrink as Dryness Continues in the Northern Plains