(North Dakota Ag Connection) – The most recent USDA Crop Progress report indicates that 13% of the intended U.S. spring wheat acreage has been planted, up from 8% last week, but well below last year’s fast pace of 27%.

According to the report, the majority of this planting was done in South Dakota — at 36% as of Sunday — and Montana at 18%, with fieldwork in North Dakota and Minnesota at a standstill. One percent of the North Dakota durum crop was reportedly in the ground, with that field activity taking place at least two weeks ago.

North Dakota had another week of difficult weather, further delaying planting progress that had started prior to the storms for a small percentage of producers, and delaying the start of planting for the majority. Much of the state received a combination of rain, sleet, snow and continued colder than normal temperatures. The western portion of the state saw mostly snow with some areas receiving as much as an additional 10-12 inches. This is on top of the 20-40 inches some regions of the state received the previous week. The eastern part of the state had tornado warnings and rain that has led to flooding in some areas. The week ahead looks to be cooler than normal. While the precipitation was once again welcome in very dry areas, it is likely that little to no field activity will take place for two to three weeks