Dry, Wet Conditions Holding Back Spring Wheat Plantings

When it comes to spring wheat plantings across the country, USDA meteorologist Brad Rippey said there is a wide contrast in conditions, including from lingering drought in the west, to extraordinarily wet and flooding conditions in the east. He noted that is, overall, holding back planting progress. Rippey said currently 19% of this year's planting is complete; the five-year average is 28%. 

"Minimal acreage has been planted in the Red River Valley, the Minnesota/North Dakota border and surrounding areas.  So for example in Minnesota 1% of the spring wheat planted; five-year average is 24%.  That is partially offset by the drier conditions further west and Washington State leads the nation in spring wheat planting progress, three-quarters complete by May 1, pretty much on par with the five-year average of 74%."

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