News in brief: The USDA’s recent report shows a significant improvement in the wheat crop outlook, with a rating of 47% in good or excellent condition, a substantial improvement over last year. This positive development is expected to benefit both consumers and farmers by keeping food prices affordable and supporting the agricultural economy.
In its first assessment of the growing season, the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) rated 47% of the domestic wheat crop as good or excellent (GE). This is the best rating for the date since 2019 and above the recent five-year average of 44%, the authority said.
The rating is also substantially better than last year’s initial rating of 28% GE, which was by far the worst start for winter wheat since the department began to monitor conditions in 1986. In April, the 2023 crop still carried some of the worst-ever ratings, seemingly guaranteeing a terrible harvest.
However, the USDA’s latest report shows that the wheat crop has made a remarkable turnaround. National winter wheat yield is now expected to be only about 2% below the long-term trend in 2023. This is a significant improvement over previous estimates, which had predicted a much larger decline.
The USDA attributes the improved crop outlook to a number of factors, including favourable weather conditions in recent months. It further notes that farmers have taken a number of steps to improve crop yields, such as planting more drought-tolerant varieties and using more efficient irrigation practices.
The USDA’s latest report is good news for consumers and farmers alike. A strong wheat harvest will help to keep food prices affordable and support the agricultural economy.
