Variable weather conditions continued to affect wheat production across the United States this week, with rainfall slowing harvest activity in parts of the southern Plains while spring wheat and durum planting progressed ahead of average in northern growing regions.

Heavy and sporadic rains continued across the southern hard red winter wheat region, delaying harvest progress in Texas and Oklahoma. Meanwhile, soft red winter harvest began in the South, and soft white wheat conditions in the Pacific Northwest remained favorable.

Hard Red Winter

The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated the Texas hard red winter wheat crop was 5% harvested, with rain slowing fieldwork. Combines also were operating in Oklahoma and southern Kansas, where harvest progress remained ahead of average in drought-stressed areas. Approximately 47% of the HRW crop was headed, ahead of the five-year average.

The recent Wheat Quality Council tour confirmed below-average production potential in Kansas, citing widespread drought stress, increased abandonment and wide yield variability. Similar conditions were reported in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming and Nebraska.

Early harvest data from Texas and Oklahoma showed yields ranging from 15 to 50 bushels per acre and test weights between 55 and 61 pounds per bushel. With much of the southern crop in grain fill, weather conditions are expected to influence kernel development, test weight and overall grain quality.

Isolated reports of wheat streak mosaic, stripe rust, sawfly and barley yellow dwarf were reported across the region. Rainfall provided localized relief, although some western and southern areas remained dry.

Soft Red Winter

Harvest of the 2026-27 soft red winter wheat crop officially began, with Alabama reporting 6% harvested and Arkansas reporting 1% complete as of May 18. USDA estimated approximately 81% of the SRW crop had headed.

Overall crop conditions remained favorable, although drought stress and localized weather events reduced production potential in portions of the mid-Atlantic region. In northern SRW states, including Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio, plentiful moisture continued to support strong yield potential.

Disease pressure, particularly head scab and foliar diseases, remained a concern following recent and forecast rainfall. Weather conditions across the SRW region remained mixed, with above-average temperatures expected to shift to cooler conditions over the holiday weekend.

Soft White

Soft white winter wheat development in the Pacific Northwest remained ahead of average, especially in Washington and Oregon, where crop development was estimated to be two to three weeks ahead of normal. Soft white spring wheat planting was nearly complete, with emergence progressing steadily.

Washington reported strong winter wheat conditions supported by adequate moisture and favorable topsoil reserves. Oregon also reported generally good crop conditions despite a drier forecast. In Idaho, localized variability continued because of recent freeze events and uneven moisture conditions.

Disease pressure remained manageable across the region, although rust and stripe rust continued to be monitored. Additional showers were possible during the next 10 days.

Hard Red Spring

Hard red spring wheat planting advanced rapidly across the Northern Plains. USDA estimated the crop was 73% planted, up from 53% the previous week and ahead of the five-year average of 66%. Emergence reached 39%, compared to 23% the prior week.

Crop conditions remained uneven across the region. South Dakota and Minnesota reported stronger emergence and stand development, while parts of Montana and western North Dakota continued to experience moisture stress.

Hot, dry and windy weather during the previous week reduced topsoil moisture and stressed newly emerged stands before scattered rainfall over the weekend provided some relief. No widespread disease or pest pressure was reported, although early-season monitoring continued.

Northern Durum

Northern durum planting continued to progress in North Dakota and Montana. USDA estimated 58% of North Dakota’s crop was planted, with 14% emerged. In Montana, just more than half of intended acres were planted, with approximately 19% emerged.

Conditions across northern durum areas remained generally dry, raising concerns about stand establishment. Extreme winds during the previous week worsened dryness and stressed some early-emerged fields before recent rainfall improved conditions in several areas.

No widespread disease or pest pressure was reported. Milder weather conditions were forecast following last week’s hot, dry and windy pattern.

Source: U.S. Wheat Associates, "WEEKLY HARVEST REPORT – May 20, 2026"