It’s getting late to plant spring wheat in the Northern Plains. Spring wheat planting in North Dakota, the nation’s largest spring wheat producing state, is at 74 percent complete. According to the USDA, that’s an increase of 15 percentage points from the previous week. North Dakota Wheat Commission Policy and Marketing Director Jim Peterson was hoping for more progress as farmers push beyond the final planting date. “By next Monday, by in large, many producers will either file for prevent plant, go with sunflowers or maybe choose another later crop,” says Peterson. “Historically speaking by the time mid-June comes around, it gets more challenging to count on a decent yielding crop and a decent harvest window. More risk factors are added in.” In Minnesota, one of the top three spring wheat producing states, farmers are starting to wrap up planting. In the last week, USDA shows planting progress at 65 percent complete, an increase of 12 percentage points. Minnesota Wheat CEO Charlie Vogel is hopeful for a strong finish as the window closes. “From talking to growers, this week is key.”
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