THE 1972 SPRING WHEAT CROP The Statistical Reporting Service, USDA, reported: SPRING WHEAT OTHER THAN DURUM Acres (1000) Yield (Bu/A) Bushels (1000) --------------------- ------------------- --------------------- State 1970 1971 1972 1970 197l 1972 1970 1971 1972 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- N. Dakota 4,686 6,514 5,140 23.0 31.5 29.0 107,778 205,191 149,060 S. Dakota 1,184 1,595 1,120 19.5 28.0 24.0 23,088 44,660 26,880 Minnesota 781 1,437 1,380 27.5 38.0 33.0 21,478 54,606 45,540 Montana 1,711 2,327 1,780 23.5 23.0 25.0 40,209 53,521 44,500 U.S.A. 8,823 12,654 9,969 23.7 30.7 28.8 209,413 388,276 286,947 COMMENTS ON GROWING CONDITIONS Some cooperators furnished brief descriptions of growing conditions and they are summarized here to aid in data interpretation. MINNESOTA (St. Paul) The growing conditions were cool and dry. (Crookston) The temperatures were normal and precipitation was less than adequate. The trial at Morris was discarded due to poor weather which reduced the yield dramatically. At St. Paul, stem and leaf rust developed very well, resulting in a moderate to heavy infection. MONTANA - The growing conditions were cool and wet. No disease problems occurred except for Septoria in eastern part of the state (Sidney). NORTH DAKOTA - Planting and harvest dates were normal at most locations. Based on soil tests, fertility was applied only at Langdon and Carrington. At Carrington, 150 lb/a of 19-19-0 were applied at planting time, and at Langdon 250 lb/a of 18-46-0 were applied at planting. Excellent growing conditions existed at Minot, Williston, and Carrington. Dickinson had late seeding but was otherwise excellent. At Fargo, a dry period through June and mid-July hastened maturity and reduced yields. Yield data was not reported from Minot and Langdon. WYOMING - For the second year, birds destroyed the trial at Laramie. WISCONSIN - Planting was delayed because of high soil moisture. After the first two weeks of planting, the temperatures were above the average while precipitation was below normal. Harvesting was difficult due to the excess rain at the end of season. Early in the growing season, some plots were infested by the Hessian fly. SOUTH - DAKOTA - Planting and harvest dates were normal. The Watertown trial was discarded. Temperature and moisture were below normal at Selby. There was very little moisture from June until harvest. The trial at Selby was planted on land which had alfalfa plowed down, and 60 lb/a of 18-46-0 were applied with the seed. CANADA (Saskatchewan and Lethbridge) - The growing conditions were cool and dry. (Manitoba) - Growing conditions at Winnipeg (Glenlea) were good except for limited moisture in June and July. 175 lb/a of 23-23-0 were fall broadcast. CONCLUSION: The growing conditions were cool and dry over the Dakotas and Minnesota, while it was cool and wet in Montana. Planting date was normal at most of the stations. No serious disease problems occurred; however, an increase of ergot was noted at St. Paul and an increase of Septoria at Sidney. The acreage of spring wheat other than durum decreased 27% compared to last year while for the durums, a 13% reduction was noted. However, it is still higher than the acreage of 1970. Production of spring wheat other than durums was projected to be 287 million bushels as of October 1, 26% below last year's record 388 million bushels but still the third largest crop. Yield per acre was indicated at 28.8 bushels, below last year's record 30.7 bushels. Combining during September was slowed in some areas by showers and heavy dews, but by October 1 harvest was completed in nearly all areas. Production of durum wheat is forecast at 73 million bushels, down 21% from the 1971 crop but 27% above 1970 crop. Expected yield per acre, at 28.6 bushels, is 3.5 bushels below last year but 3.5 bushels above 2 years ago. Combining of durum wheat in North Dakota was delayed during much of September by unfavorable weather including some snow. Only 83% of the crop was harvested by October 3. Most of the acreage to be harvested was in the northwestern counties. The harvest in Montana was also delayed by showers, morning dew, and cool fall temperatures. South Dakota growers had virtually ended harvest by Sept.1st.