The first day of the annual U.S. crop tour revealed that spring wheat yields in southern and east-central North Dakota are expected to reach record levels, with an estimated average yield of 52.5 bushels per acre. This surpasses last year’s day-one estimate of 48.1 bushels and significantly exceeds the five-year average of approximately 42.2 bushels, excluding 2020 when no tour was conducted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As the fourth-largest exporter of wheat, a robust spring wheat crop from the U.S. could help replenish global stocks, which the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) anticipates will drop to a nine-year low. North Dakota stands as the largest producer of U.S. spring wheat, which is one of two annual harvests in the country.
Brian Walker, a member of the Wheat Quality Council, remarked on the favorable conditions, stating, “It’s very nice, everything looks very green, and North Dakota looks beautiful.” However, scouts reported that some fields were affected by fusarium head blight, also known as scab, which can severely impact yields and pose health risks if consumed.
As of Monday, the USDA rated 77% of the U.S. spring wheat crop as good to excellent, maintaining the same rating as the previous week. The tour will continue assessing fields in northern North Dakota on Wednesday, with a final yield estimate expected to be released on Thursday.