Midwest Wheat Farmers Report Harvest Progress

When taking a look at winter wheat nationwide, one-third of the crop has been harvested. According to USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey, that 33% figure is behind the five-year average of 40% and also off of last year's 59% harvested at this time. But, he said, it's worth noting that many producers made tremendous progress over the past week, specifically in the Central and Southern plains and the Midwest.

"Some of the most dramatic jumps occurred in Illinois. A jump from 12% harvested a week ago to 62% on June 27th. Meaning that more than half of the crop was harvested in lass than 7 days.  Also a big jump in the number one production state Kansas; from 15% harvested on June 20th to 41% harvested on June 27th. So obviously producers taking advantage of a few dry days ahead of heavy Midwestern and plains rainfall."

Rippey noted that harvest numbers have not been reported for northern states, but that is expected to change in the coming days.

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