Weekly Wheat Update
August 11, 2026 Update
Dry weather keeps combines rolling as North Dakota harvest continues at a faster than average pace.
Hard Red Spring Wheat
Hard red spring wheat harvest continues at an above-average pace for much of the region. The most recent Crop Progress report indicates about one-fourth of the U.S. crop has been harvested. In North Dakota, it is estimated about 20% of the acreage has been harvested, ahead of both last year and the average pace of 10%. Weather conditions have remained mostly dry, which has allowed for good harvest progress. Of the remaining crop in the state, 44% is rated in good to excellent condition. Producer reports on the early portion of the harvest indicate average to above-average yields that vary quite a bit depending on area and moisture received during the growing season. Protein has been reported as high so far. USDA will update their yield and production estimates for wheat in tomorrow’s reports. The consensus among producers is that the earlier planted crop, which is being harvested, fared better than the later-planted crop during the hot, dry spells in July and early August.
Progress reported as of 8/9/2026
USDA/NASS Crop Progress Reports
Harvest Progress by State | As of 8/9/2026 | Last Week | Last Year | 5yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. HRS | 24% | 5% | 14% | 19% |
Minnestoa HRS | 28% | 4% | 14% | 25% |
Montana HRS | 17% | 1% | 19% | 25% |
North Dakota HRS | 20% | 2% | 8% | 10% |
South Dakota HRS | 65% | 39% | 40% | 53% |
Montana Durum | 15% | 1% | 14% | 15% |
North Dakota Durum | 12% | 0% | 3% | n/a |
Wheat Condition by State | Very Poor | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U.S. HRS | 3% | 13% | 33% | 44% | 7% | 339 |
Minnesota HRS | 0% | 2% | 10% | 82% | 6% | 392 |
Montana HRS | 1% | 12% | 37% | 33% | 17% | 353 |
North Dakota HRS | 4% | 16% | 36% | 40% | 4% | 324 |
South Dakota HRS | 4% | 17% | 37% | 39% | 3% | 320 |
North Dakota Durum | 3% | 8% | 42% | 45% | 2% | 335 |
Montana Durum | 0% | 29% | 43% | 19% | 9% | 308 |
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Durum Wheat
Durum harvest has started in the state, though producer reports have been minimal so far. Similar to spring wheat, the hot, dry weather pushed maturity of the crop, and harvest pace is ahead of average and last year at 12%. In Montana, about 15% has been harvested. Aligning with spring wheat, it is thought the earlier-planted durum weathered the hot, dry conditions in July better than the later-planted crop. Condition ratings for durum have continued to decline, with about 47% rated in good to excellent condition in North Dakota and 28% in Montana.