North Dakota Spring Wheat Crop May Fall Short Due to Drought
The annual Wheat Quality Council crop tour has provided early findings suggesting that North Dakota's spring wheat crop may yield lower than last year. Average yields in southern North Dakota were estimated at around 46 bushels per acre, down from last year and below some pre-tour expectations.
Participants on the three-day tour reported variable field conditions, with some areas benefiting from timely rains while others showed signs of drought stress. The US Drought Monitor notes that portions of North Dakota remain under varying degrees of drought.
North Dakota typically accounts for nearly half of U.S. spring wheat production. Market analysts warn that the tour results could influence wheat futures if subsequent tour days confirm lower production potential.