USDA projects 17 percent drop in spring wheat yield

The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service released crop acreage numbers for the state June 28 and spring wheat statistics July 11.

Washington winter wheat is forecasted to produce 116 million bushels, two percent more than projected the previous month. However, the winter wheat projection remains down seven percent down from last year.

According to the June 28 report, officials estimate planted winter wheat totaled at 170 million acres in Washington, marking no change from last year.

The yield is expected to average 70 bushels per acre, down six bushels from last year in Washington sta...