Rippey: More Problems For U.S. Winter Wheat

We've been talking for some time now about the struggles before the nation's winter wheat crop. USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said the numbers from April 11 show that, 36% of the nation's Winter wheat is rated at poor to very poor condition.

"The highest amount of acreage rated very poor to poor at this time of year since all the way back in 1996."

He pointed out last year at the time, only 17% was rated poor to very poor. And when comparing it to 2022 numbers:

"...we see at least 1/5 of the Winter week rated very poor to poor in half, 9 of our 18, reporting States led by Texas at 79% very poor to poor."

And Rippey says a storm across the North might bring some needed moisture to crops there, but in the dry Southern plains that weather systems likely to bring more dust more wind more stress on wheat.​

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