The 18 largest winter wheat producing states indicate that 93% of the year's planting is completed, compared with an historic average of 97%, according to UPI Business News. USDA says 84% of the crop has emerged, while 92% of the crop is in fair to excellent condition.
With the late fall’s seasonal wet weather, growers are reminded that weeds can reduce the growth of emerging wheat and slow its development into the winter in southern and southwest climates. The use of various weed-control methods, including herbicides applications, should be considered to combat weed invasions.
Meanwhile, USDA says that as of early last week, U.S. corn harvest remained significantly behind the five-year average for the crop with 68% of the harvest completed. Corn’s five-year harvest average for the same time period is 94% complete.
The nation's soybean harvest is 94% complete and only 3% behind its five-year average. The sunflower crop is 80% harvested, against an historic average of 93% for this time of year. Cotton is 72% harvested, compared with an historic average of 75% for the same time period.