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As the Wheat Harvest Progresses, Prices are 'Stubbornly Low' by Matthew Weaver Capital Press, August 7, 2025

Spring wheat accounts for about 20% of total planted wheat acres in Washington,
but with yields lower than winter wheat, generally accounts for 10% to 15% of total.

Wheat harvest is progressing across the Pacific Northwest, industry leaders say.

In Washington, winter wheat is 54% harvested, which is ahead of normal, said Casey Chumrau, executive director of the Washington Grain Commission. Spring wheat is slightly ahead of the average pace with about 25% harvested.

"Yields are variable around the state, but most people are pleasantly surprised with their winter wheat, considering the low rainfall received this year," Chumrau said. "Winter wheat yields are close to normal in many parts of the state."

Spring wheat has struggled under the weight of a dry and hot season, she said. Minimal spring rains never allowed the crop to fully establish.

"Growers are managing adversity with expertise, ensuring that the wheat moving into export channels meets the expectations of our overseas partners," she said. "Washington continues to be a dependable supplier of high-quality soft white wheat, even in challenging seasons."

Spring wheat accounts for about 20% of total planted wheat acres in Washington, but average spring wheat yields are lower than winter wheat, so spring wheat generally accounts for 10% to 15% of total production, Chumrau noted.

"Prices remain low at the farmgate, which creates a challenge for farmers who are facing high input costs," Chumrau said.

Soft white wheat is about $6.05 per bushel to $6.10 per bushel on the Portland market.

Oregon winter wheat is showing average to slightly above-average yields, said Oregon Wheat CEO Amanda Hoey. Spring wheat was more challenged by the timing of moisture, with impacts to its overall yield, she said.

"We are seeing the characteristics our markets have come to expect in low dockage and low moisture that make PNW soft white wheat an excellent value," Hoey said.

USDA projects Oregon is at 68% harvested for the week that ended Aug. 3, compared to a five-year average of 70%.

"Price continues to reflect a challenge for wheat producers, as it has remained stubbornly low," Hoey said. "As we host a number of trade teams during this season, a consistent message is that now is an excellent time for them to purchase PNW soft white. For our producers, we need an increase in that market price in order to sustain operations."

Idaho's wheat harvest is about 33% completed, according to USDA, compared to a five-year average of 29%.

"We have been hearing very positive reports on winter wheat harvest all over the state with both yields and quantity," said Ryan Mortensen, communications and program manager for the Idaho Wheat Commission. "Spring wheat is going to suffer, but the winter wheat looks really good."

Related Pages:
USDA: Larger Wheat Supplies, Fewer Exports, Lower Prices by Matthew Weaver, Capital Press, 3/12/25
Congress to Pay Farmers as Wheat and Barley Prices Tanked by Tom Peterson, Columbia Connection, 1/7/25
Abundant Wheat Supplies Depress World Prices, But Hope Emerges by Carol Ryan Dumas, Capital Press, 12/24/24
Northwest Wheat Leaders Connect with South American Buyers by Matthew Weaver, Capital Press, 11/11/24
NW Wheat Harvest: Yields and Exports Up, Prices Down by Matthew Weaver, Capital Press, 8/2/24
Global Wheat Stocks Tight, Prices Volatile in Year of War, Drought by Carol Ryan Dumas, Capital Press, 12/20/22
Wheat Prices Fall to Pre-War Levels by Matthew Weaver, Capital Press, 7/6/22