First 2025 Crop Data Released

Winter wheat is off to a rocky start in 2025, with major production states like Nebraska, Texas, and South Dakota reporting poor early conditions, according to the first USDA Crop Progress report of the season released April 7. 

Nationally, 31% of winter wheat is rated good/excellent. But in some states, rough weather and dry soils are threatening yields just as the crop is entering key spring growth stages. 

Nebraska 

In Nebraska, 37% of the winter wheat crop is rated good/excellent while 33% is rated poor/very poor. This is a significantly worse than last year at this time, when only 6% of the crop was rated poor/very poor. Royce Schaneman, executive director of the Nebraska Wheat Board, says that persistent dryness is a major factor. 

“Wheat is typically a dryland plant, but this season has been especially difficult,” Schaneman says. “Nebraska crops are under rough conditions, especially due to moisture levels. It’s a large state, and things have been dry. Growing conditions are different in every corner.” 

Despite the adversity, Schaneman says Nebraska farmers remain determined. “Conditions are tough, but our crops and growers are resilient.” 

Texas 

In Texas, USDA reported just 26% of the winter wheat crop is rated good/excellent, while 40% falls into the poor/very poor categories. This is sharply worse than last year, when only 20% of the crop was rated poor/very poor. 

The state’s winter wheat has begun heading, but widespread topsoil moisture shortages are limiting growth. USDA data shows 47% of Texas topsoil moisture rated short/very short. 

South Dakota

South Dakota is also feeling the pinch. Only 18% of its winter wheat is rated good/excellent. USDA reported 38% of South Dakota winter wheat was rated poor/very poor, up 30 percentage points from this time last year.

South Dakota’s drought is challenging crops, with 70% of the state reporting short/very short topsoil moisture. 

Winter Wheat in Other States 

Moisture maps show large pockets of extreme dryness stretching across the Western Plains, particularly in Nebraska and South Dakota. 

By comparison, some other major winter wheat producing states are faring better. Kansas reports 51% of its crop in good/excellent condition, while Calorado reports 63%. However, the stress in Nebraska, Texas, and South Dakota could weigh on national production totals if conditions don’t improve. 

For the week ending April 6, Arkansas, California, Missouri, North Carolina, and Texas have reported winter wheat heading. Arkansas and Texas were the first to report heading progress during the previous week ending March 30.