Winter wheat harvest still pending in four U.S. states as acreage trends diverge

Winter wheat harvest had not begun in Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, or Washington as of June 28, according to the latest weekly crop progress report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Harvest was underway in the other 14 of the nation’s 18 leading winter wheat-producing states. Progress ranged from early fieldwork to nearly completed harvests.

The USDA’s latest acreage estimates show contrasting planting trends across the four states. Idaho increased winter wheat plantings to 840,000 acres for the 2026 crop from 780,000 acres a year earlier. Washington remained unchanged at 1.85 million acres. Montana reduced planted area to 1.85 million acres from 2.25 million, and South Dakota cut acreage to 660,000 acres from 780,000. Crop conditions also differed significantly. Idaho reported 82% of its crop in good-to-excellent condition, while Washington reached 67%. Montana recorded 25% good-to-excellent, with most fields rated fair. South Dakota reported 37% good-to-excellent, with nearly one-third of the crop rated poor or very poor.

Winter wheat is one of the largest consumers of nitrogen fertilizer in the United States. Acreage shifts and crop health are important indicators of regional fertilizer demand ahead of the next planting season. The USDA’s next Crop Progress report will indicate whether harvest has begun in the remaining four states.

Source: Agriculture.com