High heat advisories across much of the United States are expected to persist into next week as winter wheat harvest moves forward and spring wheat crops continue developing under mixed conditions.

The hard red winter wheat harvest is now 56% complete, while soft red winter harvest has reached 60%. In the Pacific Northwest, soft white wheat harvest is beginning ahead of average, while hard red spring and northern durum crops have benefited from cooler temperatures and timely moisture in recent weeks.

Hard Red Winter

Hard red winter harvest remains ahead of both last year and the five-year average, with 56% of the crop harvested across sampled states. That compares with 42% a year ago and a five-year average of 46%.

Storms slowed progress in parts of the Southern and Central Plains last week, but hotter and drier weather is expected to improve harvest pace. Colorado is 32% harvested, while Nebraska is reported at 15%. Wyoming growers are expected to begin harvest next week.

Crop conditions remain uneven following a difficult season marked by drought stress, freeze damage and excessive moisture. Yields are widely variable, with dryland fields ranging from 5 to 18 bushels per acre. Irrigated acres are performing better.

Late-season rains have affected kernel characteristics in some areas, raising concerns over test weight and grain quality. In the Northern Plains and Pacific Northwest, conditions have stabilized following beneficial June rainfall, with yields expected to be average to slightly below average.

There are currently 299 hard red winter samples in laboratory testing. Preliminary data show an average test weight of 60.2 pounds per bushel, moisture at 11.5%, protein at 12.3%, a 1,000-kernel weight of 28.4 grams, falling number of 353 seconds and wheat ash of 1.49%.

Isolated pest and disease pressure includes wheat stem sawfly, aphids and wheat streak mosaic.

Soft Red Winter

Soft red winter harvest is approximately 60% complete and remains ahead of both last year and the five-year average.

Recent storms have slowed fieldwork, but drier weather and widespread heat are expected to accelerate progress.

Crop conditions remain generally stable across the region, with Illinois and Ohio reporting strong yield potential. Persistent rainfall has created localized variability, mostly affecting grain quality rather than yields.

A total of 114 soft red winter samples are undergoing analysis. Test weights and 1,000-kernel weights are trending above 2025 averages. Protein levels average 10.3%, up from 9.3% last year, while average falling number stands at 310 seconds.

Wet weather has increased disease risk in some areas, and producers continue to monitor fields closely.

Soft White

Soft white winter wheat in the Pacific Northwest is developing ahead of average, with early harvest underway in Washington and Oregon.

Widespread cutting is expected to increase after the Independence Day holiday, including lower-elevation areas of Idaho.

USDA rates the soft white winter crop at 65% good to excellent, while the spring soft white crop stands at 67% good to excellent. State representatives report some variability, but overall yield expectations range from average to above average.

No major disease or pest issues have been reported.

Warmer and drier weather is expected to continue pushing crop development and harvest progress.

Hard Red Spring

Hard red spring wheat continues to develop across the Northern Plains, with 32% of the crop headed.

Washington leads at 98% headed, followed by South Dakota at 69%, Idaho at 65%, Minnesota at 39%, North Dakota at 25% and Montana at 14%.

USDA rates the national hard red spring crop at 59% good to excellent, up from 55% the previous week. June rainfall helped ease earlier stress from dry conditions and supported crop development.

Even so, uneven emergence and recent storms have increased variability in maturity and yield potential. Some localized losses from hail and flooding have been reported.

Disease pressure remains limited but could rise with recent moisture and increasing humidity. Forecasted warmer weather is expected to speed crop development.

Northern Durum

Northern durum is 16% headed, with North Dakota at 27% and Montana at 2%.

Planting in Montana was completed on time to slightly early, but cool and dry conditions slowed germination. North Dakota remains ahead of both last year’s pace and the five-year average.

Crop conditions have improved since May. USDA rates North Dakota’s durum crop at 71% good to excellent, while Montana’s stands at 13%.

Cooler and wetter weather in June improved crop prospects after difficult spring conditions. Both major durum-producing states have received beneficial rainfall in recent weeks.

No significant pest or disease issues have emerged, although producers continue monitoring as moisture levels increase.

Additional showers are forecast and are expected to support continued crop development.

Source: U.S. Wheat Associates, "WEEKLY HARVEST REPORT – July 1, 2026"