Weekly Wheat Update
July 7, 2026 Update
Beneficial Rains Boost Spring Wheat as Crops Head Toward Maturity
Good-to-excellent ratings rise across North Dakota and the U.S., though disease pressure and hotter temperatures loom ahead
Hard Red Spring Wheat Crop Update
The U.S. spring wheat crop continues to develop at a typical pace, with 54% of the crop now headed. In North Dakota, 53% of the crop has headed, slightly ahead of average. Overall, producers continue to report favorable crop conditions; however, conditions vary across the state. Excessive rainfall in northern areas and dry conditions in the south have negatively affected crop ratings in those regions. According to this week's USDA/NASS Crop Progress report, 57% of North Dakota's spring wheat is rated in good to excellent condition, down slightly from last week, while 8% is rated poor to very poor. The decline is likely due to these weather extremes and the impacts of recent damaging storms.
Despite these localized challenges, the overall outlook for the crop remains positive. Humid weather has increased disease risk, and producers are closely monitoring for disease pressure, particularly Fusarium head blight, and applying fungicides as needed.
Progress reported as of 7/5/2026
USDA/NASS Crop Progress Reports
Wheat Headed by State | 7/5/2026 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 Yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US HRS | 58% | 32% | 54% | 54% |
Minnesota HRS | 56% | 39% | 65% | 63% |
Montana HRS | 41% | 14% | 28% | 43% |
North Dakota HRS | 56% | 25% | 53% | 49% |
South Dakota HRS | 95% | 68% | 91% | 84% |
Montana Durum | 15% | 2% | 20% | 25% |
North Dakota Durum | 39% | 27% | 55% | 41% |
Wheat Condition by State | Very Poor | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US HRS | 1% | 6% | 36% | 52% | 5% | 354 |
Minnesota HRS | 0% | 0% | 14% | 82% | 4% | 390 |
Montana HRS | 1% | 5% | 51% | 42% | 1% | 337 |
North Dakota HRS | 1% | 7% | 35% | 50% | 7% | 355 |
South Dakota HRS | 1% | 3% | 46% | 47% | 3% | 348 |
North Dakota Durum | 1% | 3% | 69% | 23% | 4% | 326 |
Montana Durum | 12% | 22% | 44% | 22% | 0% | 276 |
Durum Crop Update
Some of the durum region continued to receive beneficial rains last week, while other durum areas saw limited precipitation. In general, the crop in North Dakota remains in relatively good condition, although crop condition ratings in this week’s USDA/NASS report dropped quite a bit, with 27% now rated in good to excellent condition, and 69% in fair condition. Durum crop development remains behind last year’s pace, but near average with 39% headed in North Dakota. In Montana, development is behind average with only 15% headed out.
