Theof Colorado鈥檚 winter wheat production this year estimates a steep decline in crops this year. But nationwide the decrease is expected to be less severe.
Across America, the expects a 4% decline compared to last year. But in Colorado, the decrease in this year鈥檚 crop is predicted at 39%. That鈥檚 because dry conditions during much of March and April have hindered growth for crops in the eastern part of the state鈥攚here most crops are produced.
鈥淲e鈥檙e counting on Front Range rains to help this crop survive and produce something,鈥� says Keith DeVoe, general manager of the , a grain storage co-op in Eastern Colorado. 鈥淸In] no way can it be anyway near last year鈥檚 record crop.鈥�
DeVoe is referring to almost perfect conditions last year, which produced an all-time high number of bushels in the state.
In addition to Colorado鈥檚 decline, the USDA is predicting a similar situation for Oklahoma farmers, and even worse for those in Texas. The state is expected to see a 63 percent decrease in production.
While winter wheat production is expected to decline nationwide, the USDA says corn producers are poised for an all-time high due to an increase in plantings.
