Weekly Wheat Update
July 14, 2026 Update
Heat Wave Puts Wheat Crop to the Test
Spring wheat and durum conditions hold steady, but above-normal temperatures add pressure to crop during the grain-fill stage.
Hard Red Spring Wheat Crop Update
The most recent USDA/NASS Crop Progress report indicates that spring wheat conditions remained relatively stable over the last week and crop development continued at an average pace. 58% of the U.S. crop was in good to excellent condition, similar to last week. In North Dakota, 65% is rated in good to excellent condition. Producer reports last week remained mostly optimistic, with only some areas of dry conditions. Disease pressure has been high due to humid conditions, and producers are carefully monitoring crops. Nearly three-fourths of the U.S. spring wheat crop has headed out, right on with the average pace. In North Dakota, just under 80% has headed out.
Temperatures over the weekend turned very hot, with some in the triple digits. These temperatures are 10-15 degrees above normal, as indicated in the map below, and not ideal, especially for crops in the grain-filling stage. Warmer conditions are expected to last through the week and will stress the crop, especially in areas where moisture was short.
Progress reported as of 7/12/2026
USDA/NASS Crop Progress Reports
Wheat Headed by State | 7/12/2026 | Last Week | Last Year | 5 Yr Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US HRS | 72% | 54% | 76% | 72% |
Minnesota HRS | 78% | 65% | 82% | 81% |
Montana HRS | 41% | 28% | 55% | 63% |
North Dakota HRS | 78% | 53% | 78% | 69% |
South Dakota HRS | 97% | 91% | 99% | 93% |
Montana Durum | 22% | 15% | 32% | 46% |
North Dakota Durum | 65% | 39% | 81% | 46% |
Wheat Condition by State | Very Poor | Poor | Fair | Good | Excellent | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US HRS | 1% | 9% | 32% | 54% | 4% | 351 |
Minnesota HRS | 0% | 0% | 8% | 86% | 6% | 398 |
Montana HRS | 0% | 14% | 53% | 33% | 0% | 319 |
North Dakota HRS | 1% | 8% | 26% | 59% | 6% | 361 |
South Dakota HRS | 2% | 5% | 45% | 46% | 2% | 341 |
North Dakota Durum | 1% | 2% | 14% | 65% | 18% | 397 |
Montana Durum | 3% | 31% | 53% | 13% | 0% | 276 |
Durum Crop Update
Durum crop conditions continue to show well in North Dakota with 83% rated in good to excellent condition in the latest crop progress report. While the primary durum region of the state has received decent moisture, the amounts vary quite a bit area to area. As mentioned for spring wheat, the hot temperatures this week will stress the crop and likely impact crop condition ratings next week. About 65% of the state’s durum has headed out, near average. In Montana, where the crop struggled more with early-season dry conditions, crop ratings are lower, with 13% in good condition, 53% in fair, and 33% in poor to very poor condition. Crop development is behind in the state, with only 22% headed out.
