Nationally, Winter Wheat Plantings Look Good

The pace of winter wheat planting remains generally on par with the five-year averages in most major production states.

"In terms of winter wheat emergence, no major issues on the national scale.  74% of the crop emerged by November 7th; five-year average, 77%. Last year at this time we were at 78%," noted USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey. "Meanwhile, winter wheat condition continues to languish a little bit as we move a little bit deeper into the establishment season.  Nationally, just 45% of the crop good to excellent, same as last week.  22% very poor to poor; that's actually a point up from last week's 21%"

So, how do these conditions compare to what we saw this time a year ago?

"This year's crop, so far, comparable to what we saw in 2020 when we saw 45% good to excellent, 17% very poor to poor at this time."

Rippey adds trouble spots remain in the southern plains.

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