The 2026 hard red winter wheat harvest is nearly complete, with less than 10% remaining, while harvest of soft white, hard red spring and northern durum wheat continues to advance under hot, dry conditions. Early quality results remain generally favorable, although protein and falling numbers are being closely monitored in several regions.

The USDA estimates total U.S. wheat production at 1.53 billion bushels, or 41.7 million metric tons, down 23% from last year.

Hard Red Winter

The 2026 HRW harvest is nearly complete, with less than 10% remaining. Producers in the southern region are seeking rain ahead of fall planting, as much of the region remains in severe to extreme drought, with pockets of exceptional drought.

USDA estimates total U.S. HRW production at 463 million bushels, or 12.6 million metric tons, down 2% from July and 42% from last year.

Montana reports indicate low yields, but quality has exceeded expectations despite drought conditions earlier in the season. Oregon winter wheat yields and quality are slightly above average. In the Pacific Northwest, the HRW crop is mostly harvested, with average to above-average test weights and yields. Localized reports of lower protein and falling numbers continue.

This week's data includes 516 samples, including 27 from the Pacific Northwest. Unweighted averages show a test weight of 60.2 pounds per bushel, moisture of 11.2%, 1,000-kernel weight of 28.7 grams and a falling number of 356 seconds. Average protein is 12.5% at 12% moisture basis. The crop currently grades U.S. No. 1 HRW.

Composite flour data remains unchanged from last week. Laboratory flour extraction is 71.2%, down from 75.8% last year because of a change in the laboratory mill. Flour ash is 0.53%, wet gluten is 28.4% and sedimentation is 42.4 cc. Farinograph absorption averages 59.2%, stability averages 14.9 minutes and loaf volume averages 859 cc.

Temperatures remain hot across the growing region, with scattered chances for precipitation.

Soft White

Harvest of the 2026 soft white crop continued under favorable conditions. The winter soft white crop is 68% harvested, while the spring crop is 28% harvested. USDA estimates total U.S. soft white production at 263 million bushels, or 7.2 million metric tons, up 4% from July and 2% from last year.

Harvest reports remain generally positive for yield and test weight, while protein and falling numbers are being closely monitored. Oregon is nearing completion with good overall yields, although lower protein and falling numbers continue in some areas. Northern Idaho is expecting strong dryland yields of 150 to 200 bushels per acre, which is contributing to lower protein. Southern Idaho is reporting higher protein levels.

Pockets of lower protein also are being reported in eastern Idaho following late frost and freeze damage. Washington continues to report lower protein and falling numbers, although protein is higher in the northern tier. Statewide protein remains average to slightly below average at 9.5% to 9.8% at 12% moisture basis.

An additional 81 samples arrived for testing this week, bringing the total to 162. Preliminary results indicate an average grade of U.S. No. 1 soft white, a test weight of 60.8 pounds per bushel, moisture of 9.3% and 1,000-kernel weight of 36 grams. Wet gluten averages 19.1%.

The current protein average is 9%, reflecting the earliest harvested areas, and is expected to increase moderately as harvest expands. Protein currently ranges from 6.7% to 14%. Early solvent retention capacity testing shows strong lactic acid and gluten performance index values for the protein content.

The current falling number average is 292 seconds and is expected to increase moderately as harvest progresses. Reports indicate lower falling numbers are associated with spring freeze events rather than late-season weather conditions.

No major disease or pest issues have been reported. Hot, dry conditions persist across much of the region, with limited chances for precipitation. Wildfire risks remain a major concern.

Hard Red Spring

Approximately 24% of the U.S. hard red spring crop has been harvested. South Dakota's harvest is nearly complete, with only northern counties still harvesting. Harvest is moving quickly in other HRS states as hot, dry conditions accelerate crop development.

USDA estimates total U.S. HRS production at 434 million bushels, or 11.8 million metric tons, down 1% from July and 5% from last year.

The U.S. HRS crop is rated 51% good to excellent, down slightly from last week. South Dakota is reporting good quality, stronger-than-expected yields and protein averaging 15% to 16% at 12% moisture basis. Minnesota also is reporting good quality, higher protein and yields of 50 to 70 bushels per acre.

In Montana, the crop has remained in good condition despite July heat and dryness, with optimistic yield reports, good expected quality and no anticipated test weight issues. Conditions in North Dakota remain variable based on planting date and moisture. Average to above-average yields have been reported, with earlier planted fields generally performing better and protein values trending higher.

Disease pressure remains limited but could increase in areas that receive recent moisture and experience higher humidity. Near- to below-normal temperatures and periodic rainfall are expected across the Northern Plains during the next week.

Northern Durum

Harvest of the 2026 northern durum crop has begun, with Montana 15% harvested and North Dakota 12% harvested. Recent heat and dry conditions continue to accelerate crop development, putting harvest ahead of last year's pace and the five-year average.

USDA estimates total U.S. durum production at 66.4 million bushels, or 1.8 million metric tons, down 6% from July and 23% from last year. The largest year-over-year production declines are expected in North Dakota, followed by Montana, because of drought conditions.

North Dakota's crop rating declined from 49% to 47% good to excellent, reflecting heat and limited moisture. Montana's rating declined from 30% to 28% good to excellent.

Yield potential varies widely across the region. Areas that received timely July rainfall are expected to perform better, while sustained heat and dry conditions are reducing yield prospects in moisture-stressed areas. Earlier planted fields generally are faring better.

No major disease or pest issues have been reported. Disease pressure remains slightly elevated in areas that received earlier moisture but has generally eased with recent hot, dry weather. Mostly seasonable temperatures and scattered showers are forecast.

Source: U.S. Wheat Associates, "WEEKLY HARVEST REPORT – August 12, 2026"