Winter Wheat Progress Advances in California, Texas, and Arkansas

The USDA’s second Crop Progress report of the season, released April 14, shows winter wheat heading steadily progressing in select states. As of April 13, California, Texas, and Arkansas are leading the nation with the highest percentage of winter wheat headed among the top 18 states that account for 90% of the nation’s acreage. 

California 

California winter wheat is 60% headed, significantly ahead of the 38% five-year average and up 20 percentage points from the previous week. Crop condition ratings in the state remain strong, with 70% of winter wheat rated excellent and 25% rated good. Only 5% of the crop is rated fair, and there are no reports of poor or very poor conditions.

Moisture conditions in California are favorable for strong crops. Topsoil moisture is rated 90% adequate and 10% surplus. These levels suggest consistent and timely precipitation. No topsoil moisture in the state is rated short or very short.

Claudia Carter, executive director of the California Wheat Commission, noted that current conditions remain favorable. “We have had really good moisture and rain. Another quick rain might not hurt our crop, but still, I think the moisture on the ground is pretty good. Our producers are happy with what they’re seeing.”

Texas 

Texas follows with 30% of its winter wheat headed, which is slightly behind the 38% reported this time last year, and behind the five-year average of 33%. Crop condition ratings are more varied than in California. While 40% of the wheat is rated good, 24% was rated poor, and 13% very poor, indicating that some fields are facing stress. 

Topsoil moisture data in Texas shows limited moisture availability in some areas. Twenty percent of the state’s topsoil is very short on moistures and 33% is rated short. That means more than half of the state’s cropland is experiencing some degree of moisture deficiency. Field observations included soil that is dry to the touch, cracked surfaces, or slowed plant growth due to lack of water ability. 

Arkansas 

Arkansas ranks third in the nation for heading, with 24% of its crop headed, 10 percentage points behind the 34% reported this time a year ago, but still ahead of the five-year average of 23%. Crop condition is mostly moderate to good. USDA said 47% of winter wheat in the state is rated good, 36% fair, and 14% poor. Only 3% is rated excellent, and there are no reports of very poor conditions. 

In terms of topsoil moisture, Arkansas shows a favorable profile. Fifty-four percent of its topsoil is rated adequate, and another 54% is reported as surplus, suggesting sufficient or even excess water availability. This could support continued heading progress.

Other states

Nationwide, winter wheat heading is equal to the five-year average at 8%. Crop conditions are holding steady overall. USDA rated 6% excellent, 41% good, 20% fair, 8% poor, and 3% very poor.

This week’s report offers early insight into regional contrasts in development and growing conditions. As the season progresses, heading progress and moisture trends will remain key indicators to monitor.