Weather continues to influence wheat production across the United States, creating varying conditions among growing regions as harvest advances in some areas and planting wraps up in others.

Recent rainfall has slowed hard red winter wheat harvest in the Southern Plains, while drought conditions that persisted through much of the growing season continue to limit yield potential. Soft red winter wheat harvest is expanding across southern states, and soft white wheat conditions in the Pacific Northwest remain largely favorable. Hard red spring wheat planting is nearly complete, with conditions generally improving following recent rainfall. Northern durum planting remains ahead of average despite uneven emergence and ongoing moisture concerns in some areas.

Hard Red Winter Wheat

Harvest progress remains slow in parts of Texas and Oklahoma due to widespread rainfall. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates Texas harvest at 23% complete, while state representatives report Oklahoma harvest at 25%. In Kansas, about 79% of the crop has reached the coloring stage and test cutting is underway. Approximately 47% of the crop is headed, with development running two to three weeks ahead of average because of environmental stress.

Recent rains in Texas have raised concerns about grain quality while delaying harvest activity. Reported yields in Texas and Oklahoma vary significantly, with most fields producing between 20 and 30 bushels per acre. Kansas continues to experience very short soil moisture levels. Although recent rainfall arrived too late to improve yield prospects, it may help stabilize drought-stressed fields.

Abandonment rates are expected to be substantially higher than normal across the southern hard red winter region. Some states anticipate abandonment levels of 35% to 40%, compared with typical rates of 5% to 7%.

Laboratory testing has begun with 31 samples received. Preliminary results show average protein at 12.76% and average test weight at 60.6 pounds per bushel, though officials caution the sample size remains limited.

Producers continue monitoring disease concerns including rust and wheat streak mosaic. Additional isolated rainfall and moderate temperatures are forecast across much of the region.

Soft Red Winter Wheat

Harvest is gaining momentum in southern states, with progress reported at 23% in Alabama, 10% in Arkansas, 5% in Kentucky, 4% in North Carolina, 1% in Tennessee and 6% in Virginia. Nearly all soft red winter acreage has headed.

Harvest is expected to begin in Illinois within the next one to two weeks, while Ohio harvest likely will not start until late June or early July.

Much of the region received significant rainfall early last week, easing drought conditions in some areas. Overall, 59% of the crop is rated good to excellent. Conditions remain strongest in Midwest states, where favorable weather earlier in the season supported crop development.

Recent moisture replenished soils in southern and Mid-Atlantic states but arrived too late to substantially increase yield potential. However, it is expected to help preserve existing yield prospects. An Illinois plot tour recently estimated average yields near 103 bushels per acre.

With increased moisture levels, growers are watching closely for potential disease development. Warmer and more humid conditions are expected across the region, along with isolated rainfall opportunities.

Soft White Wheat

The soft white winter wheat crop continues to advance in the Pacific Northwest. USDA reports 71% of Washington's crop headed, along with 23% in Idaho and 82% in Oregon. Planting of the soft white spring crop is complete, with 96% emergence reported.

Washington's winter wheat crop is developing roughly two weeks ahead of average, and harvest could begin in some locations within two to three weeks. Southern Idaho has experienced more rapid development because of drier conditions, while northern Idaho remains closer to average.

USDA rates the soft white winter crop at 71% good to excellent and the spring crop at 73% good to excellent. Recent moisture, moderate temperatures and increased humidity have supported favorable crop conditions throughout much of the region.

Late May weather helped support grain fill in Oregon and Washington. Conditions in Idaho remain more variable, with greater environmental stress reported in southern portions of the state.

Producers continue monitoring for stripe rust, aphids and barley yellow dwarf virus. Forecasts call for moderate temperatures and continued chances for precipitation.

Hard Red Spring Wheat

Planting is nearly complete across the four primary hard red spring wheat states, reaching 95% overall. Emergence stands at 96% in South Dakota, 78% in Minnesota, 65% in North Dakota and 70% in Montana.

USDA rates spring wheat conditions at 78% good to excellent in Minnesota, 58% in North Dakota, 44% in South Dakota and 1% in Montana.

Recent cooler temperatures and timely rainfall have benefited crops in South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota. Minnesota continues to show strong crop conditions, while North Dakota and Montana have improved following recent precipitation and more moderate temperatures.

No significant disease or pest issues have been reported. Additional rainfall is forecast across much of the region, although producers in Montana continue to seek more moisture to support crop development.

Northern Durum

Northern durum planting remains ahead of average, reaching 90% complete in North Dakota and 88% in Montana.

Emergence has been uneven because of recent dry, hot and windy weather. The crop is 61% emerged in North Dakota and 59% emerged in Montana.

USDA rates North Dakota's durum crop at 78% good to excellent. Recent rainfall and cooler temperatures have helped stabilize crop conditions and replenish topsoil moisture in the state.

Some Montana fields also received precipitation, but rainfall amounts were generally limited. Drought-affected areas, particularly in eastern Montana, will require additional moisture to maintain crop development and yield potential.

No significant disease or pest pressures have been reported. Temperatures are expected to trend closer to normal following recent heat and wind, with isolated rainfall chances remaining in the forecast.

Source: U.S Wheat Associates, "WEEKLY HARVEST REPORT – June 3, 2026"