The condition of US winter wheat crops is raising concerns among farmers and agricultural experts, as the latest rating ties for the lowest in 40 years. The poor ratings are attributed to extreme weather events and pest outbreaks, which have impacted crop quality and yield.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), only 30% of the winter wheat crop is currently rated as good to excellent, while 26% is rated as poor to very poor. The remaining 44% is rated as fair, indicating a below-average crop that is struggling to grow and mature.
The low ratings are due to a variety of factors, including drought conditions, extreme temperatures, and pest outbreaks. In many areas, the lack of rainfall has prevented crops from germinating or developing deep root systems, which can help them access moisture and nutrients from the soil.
Meanwhile, extreme heat and cold temperatures have caused stress on crops, leading to lower yields and reduced quality.
Pest outbreaks are also a significant concern for farmers, with reports of armyworms and other pests causing damage to crops across multiple states. These pests can quickly decimate fields, causing significant economic losses for farmers and reducing the overall supply of wheat in the market.
The low winter wheat ratings highlight the challenges and risks associated with agricultural production in an era of climate change and extreme weather events. As farmers and agricultural experts work to adapt to these challenges, it is important to prioritize sustainable and resilient practices that can help mitigate the impact of extreme weather and pests on crops.
Source : USAgconnections