Rippey Concerned About Winter Wheat Progress

USDA Meteorologist, Brad Rippey, said recently cool weather has hampered winter wheat crop progress nationwide.

"Overall, 56% of the US winter wheat headed on May 17^th, that is behind the five year average of 62%, but slightly ahead of last year’s 51%," the USDA meteorologist noted.

Kansas and Nebraska are two states he mentioned where winter wheat heading is behind the five year average.

"Winter what condition we have seen a stabilization following the mid-April freezes the condition is quite a bit lower than that time."

Nationwide, winter wheat condition is 52% good to excellent and 16% very poor to poor which is similar to last week.

"We continue to see a combination of drought and freeze injury effecting the crop across parts of central and southern great plains."

He especially raised concern about winter wheat in Oregon and Colorado.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekradio.com