This reporting period covers the major growing season of winter crops, including winter wheat, rye, oats, and rapeseed (canola). Crop condition in major winter crop zones is above average. 

Compared to average, precipitation was up 15% while temperature was below by 1.1℃. The photosynthetically active radiation in the MPZ was significantly lower than the average by 5% due to increased cloudiness. A severe cold wave occurred in February and caused the temperature in the Canadian Prairies and Northern Plains to be below average by more than 10 ℃. Precipitation in the middle and lower Mississippi River was 150 mm higher than average in late February, which led to floods. Fortunately, because most spring crops had not yet been sown in February, the abnormal weather did not directly impact agricultural production.

Due to the cold wave, sowing was, however, delayed, which caused the cropped area land to drop  2% below the 5-year average. Above average precipitation and low temperature reduced the risk of drought, as confirmed by VHIn, except for scattered areas in the Great Plains. As to the major winter crops producing zone, potential biomass in Central and southern Great Plains was 20-30% higher than average due to adequate soil moisture. High VCIx also confirms the good crop condition in Central and southern Great Plains.

In summary, the condition of winter crops is above average and CropWatch estimates that  winter crop production is likely to above average as well. 

Figure 2.2. North AmericaMPZ: Agroclimatic and agronomic indicators, January to April 2019.

a. Spatial distribution of rainfall profiles.  b. Profiles of rainfall departure from average (mm)

c. Spatial distribution of temperature profiles.    d. Profiles of temperature departure from average (mm).

e. Maximum VCI

f. Cropped arable land

g. Biomass accumulation potential departure

h. VHI Minimum