May 20, 2025

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Last week producers make significant seeding progress during the mostly hot, dry weather.  Spring wheat planting in North Dakota is now estimated to be almost 80% complete, up from 58% one week ago and 51% on average.  Emergence is also well ahead of average at 40%.  Producers in many areas of the state report that planting of spring wheat is complete, or near completion.  However, in some northern areas, wheat planting progress is estimated at 50%.  The hot, dry conditions last week stressed soil moisture levels and emerging crops.  However, weather conditions quickly changed to below normal temperatures with excellent precipitation levels.  Over the past few days, rainfall amounts of 2 to 5 inches or more have been reported in the western part of the state, while eastern areas have seen half an inch to 2 inches or more.  Rain is forecast for the next couple of days.  The precipitation has replenished moisture levels, but will delay planting of the last of the crop for some time.

Across the region, spring wheat planting has wrapped up in South Dakota and is nearly complete in Minnesota.  Planting progress in Montana is at 76% complete.  Average emergence across the spring wheat states is at 45%.

In North Dakota, durum planting is almost 70% complete, well ahead of the average pace of 43%.  After the hot, dry weather last week, producers welcomed much needed rain to most of the durum region.  As stated, many western areas received 2 to 5 inches of rain with more to come this week.  It will take some time for conditions to dry out to allow for more seeding progress.  About one-third of the durum has emerged.  In Montana, about 77% of the durum has been planted, well ahead of average, and about 10% has emerged.

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