Crops Articles
Sitting in Dry Dirt
Published April 1, 2021
In many areas of the Northern Plains, there’s been some spring wheat seeded. WestBred Wheat Technical Product Manager Grant Mehring says most of it is sitting in dry dirt. In southwest North Dakota, about one-third of the spring wheat is…Planting Prospects Projected for ND, MN, SD
Published March 31, 2021
Across the tri-state region, USDA expects spring wheat acreage to decline slightly. North Dakota is down two percent from last year. Minnesota and South Dakota are down three percent. North Dakota canola acres are approaching 1.8 million acres, up 18…Huge Increases Forecast in North Dakota Corn/Soybean Acres
Published March 31, 2021
After significant prevented plant acreage in 2020, North Dakota farmers are expected to plant a huge corn and soybean crop this spring. North Dakota corn acreage is forecast to be up a monstrous 69 percent. Soybean acreage in North Dakota…All-Wheat Planted Area Higher Than Trade Expectations
Published March 31, 2021
USDA is estimating the all wheat planted area at 46.4 million acres, an increase of five percent from 2020 and higher than the average trade estimate of 45.1 million acres. Winter wheat acres were higher than expected at 33 million…USDA Forecasts Fewer Corn and Soybean Acres
Published March 31, 2021
USDA’s estimates of planted acres for corn and soybeans were lower than trade expectations in the Prospective Plantings report. That puts the balance sheet in rationing mode and fuels the bullish outlook for the grain markets. The USDA Prospective Plantings…High Winds are “Catastrophic” for Soil Health
Published March 31, 2021
These high winds are catastrophic when it comes to soil erosion and overall health. Thankfully, farming practices have changed since the dust bowl of the 1930s. If that weren’t the case, Centrol Crop Consulting agronomist Lee Briese says the impacts…Brutal Winds and Cool Temps Sweep Across the Northern Plains
Published March 30, 2021
Brutal winds the week of March 29 stretched far beyond the Northern Plains. According to World Weather Incorporated Senior Agricultural Meteorologist Drew Lerner, the highest wind gusts on Monday were seen west of the Dakotas. "Ninety mile-per-hour winds were seen…Prairie Wildfires Return
Published March 30, 2021
Following two excessively wet, cool springs in the eastern Dakotas and Minnesota, prairie wildfire season is back. The warmer-than-normal temperatures, combined with dryness and strong wind gusts, brought a greater risk for fires across the Northern Plains. National Weather Service…Dry Conditions to Worsen Across Northern Plains
Published March 29, 2021
Dry conditions are expected to worsen across the Northern Plains in the short-term because of above average temperatures and a lack of moisture. Moisture is in the forecast for next week, but more will be needed. "The second week model…