Farmers in six out of 18 top wheat-producing states have started harvesting, according to the latest crop progress report from the USDA. As of June 1, 3% of the crop has been harvested nationwide, which matches the five-year average.
Let's take a closer look at the states that have already begun harvesting.
Texas
In Texas, wheat fields are maturing the best. Over the past week, producers in the Lone Star State harvested 25% of the crop by June 1, an increase of 8 percentage points. This figure surpasses the five-year average of 27%.
Although Texas may lead in winter wheat harvesting, the condition of its crop remains relatively low. USDA assessed only 30% of the state's winter wheat as good. Among the top 18 states, only Nebraska had a lower share of good and excellent winter wheat (23%).
Overall winter wheat conditions in Texas according to USDA: 11% very poor, 18% poor, 41% fair, 25% good, and 5% excellent.
Arkansas
In Arkansas, the winter wheat harvesting level reached 8% by June 1, slightly behind the five-year average of 9%. A week earlier, only 1% of the crop had been harvested.
According to USDA, in Arkansas, only 3% of winter wheat is rated as very poor, 8% poor, 40% fair, 46% good, and 3% excellent.
California
Winter wheat harvesting in California reached 5% by June 1, exceeding the level from the previous week (0%) and the five-year average of 3%. The Golden State is the only state ahead of average trends.
California also stands out for not having any winter wheat rated as very poor. In general, USDA assessed the condition of winter wheat in California as follows: 5% poor, 25% good, and 70% excellent.
North Carolina
It is worth noting that in North Carolina, winter wheat harvesting reached 5% by June 1, slightly below the five-year average of 7%. Only 1% had been harvested the previous week.
None of the areas of winter wheat in North Carolina were rated as very poor, according to USDA. Overall picture: 2% poor, 24% fair, 68% good, and 6% excellent.
Oklahoma
Winter wheat harvesting in Oklahoma increased by 1% over the week, reaching 4% by June 1, significantly below the five-year average of 9%.
The crop was rated as follows: 4% very poor, 9% poor, 32% fair, 51% good, and 4% excellent according to USDA.
Missouri
By June 1, only 1% of the winter wheat crop in Missouri had been harvested, matching the five-year average. There was no harvesting the week before.
According to USDA assessment, there were no areas of winter wheat in Missouri rated as very poor, with the overall rating being: 4% fair, 21% fair, 65% good, and 10% excellent.
