The final stretch of the 2025 spring wheat harvest is progressing slowly across the northern Plains due to persistent rains, but early quality reports indicate the crop is in much better shape than initially feared. The North Dakota Wheat Commission (NDWC) confirmed in its final update that nearly all hard red spring wheat has been harvested, with only minor acres remaining in North Dakota and Montana. According to the USDA, the harvest was 96% complete by September 21, in line with the five-year average.

"What's left in the field has received quite a bit of rain over the past week," said Erica Olson, market development and research manager with the NDWC. "At this time of year, with shorter days and limited hours, things always tend to slow down."

Yield performance is broadly positive. While the 2025 crop won't match the record highs of 2024, most regions are reporting above-average yields. Isolated pockets with dry conditions or storm damage saw reduced output, but overall, the crop is performing well. "We're hearing of good yields, not record-breaking, but solid," Olson noted, echoing the USDA's latest downward revision in spring wheat yield estimates.

In terms of quality, the NDWC's laboratory data paints a strong picture. The average protein content is 14.3%, just under the five-year average of 14.5%. Test weight is averaging 61.6 pounds per bushel, slightly above the norm. The falling number, which measures enzymatic activity and starch integrity, sits at a healthy 415 seconds, well above the typical 371. Additional data shows a thousand-kernel weight of 34.3 grams and minimal kernel damage (0.5%).

One figure that stands out is the vitreous kernel content, averaging 59%, notably below the five-year average of 66%. This drop is attributed to the rain during harvest. While some buyers may not consider it critical, others with strict DHV (dark hard and vitreous) specs may require adjustments. "If a customer wants higher vitreous levels, the trade will need to blend with last year's crop or source from specific high-quality regions," Olson explained.

Despite that shortfall, the average crop grade remains at No. 1 Northern Spring Wheat, consistent with last year and historical standards. There are no widespread issues with DON (vomitoxin), and early concerns about falling numbers and test weights have largely been alleviated. "We were nervous at the beginning of harvest due to the wet conditions, but the data is showing a healthy crop with good protein, high test weights, and low damage," Olson said. Milling and baking quality assessments are still pending, but so far the crop looks "typical and solid."

With NDWC's harvest reporting season concluded, additional quality data will be released through U.S. Wheat Associates as more samples are analyzed at North Dakota State University's hard spring and durum wheat labs. These details will be crucial for millers, exporters, and grain traders as they navigate a market still sensitive to commodity prices, input costs, and quality specifications.

In a volatile global grain environment, where wheat premiums are increasingly tied to measurable quality attributes, the 2025 spring wheat crop is shaping up to be a reliable performer - weather delays aside.