Winter Wheat Numbers Slightly Behind Five-Year Average

When taking a look at the latest national winter wheat numbers, the USDA says 10% of the crop is heading, which is behind the five-year average of 14% also behind last year's 13%. USDA Meteorologist Brad Rippey said while the heading pace is currently behind schedule.

"That's a little piece of good news as we are expecting a significant cold wave this week."

He adds that there is no weekly change in national numbers for winter wheat condition.

"Locked in right now at 53% good to excellent, 17% very poor to poor. As I mentioned no change from last week. This year's crop rated a bit lower than what we saw this time a year ago when it was 57% good to excellent and 15% very poor to poor."

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