Heavy Rain Impacts 2014 Durum Crop

According to Joyce Eckhoff, head of the MSU Eastern Agricultural Research Center, the 2014 durum crop is expected to produce a high yield but lower quality than previous years. The spring durum, Divide, was the most common variety grown this year and due to heavy moisture in April and May, many crops were planted late, if at all. It was the rain early in the season that contributed to the high yield; however rain on the already mature crop late in the season is to blame for the lower quality. Harvest was also delayed because of the precipitation in August and September.

Durum, which is used to make pasta, is an important crop to the region because it offers variety, giving farmers an option in what they choose to grow. Durum often sells at a higher price than spring wheat which can make it appealing to farmers. Most of the durum produced in the United States is grown in northeastern Montana and northwestern North Dakota, with North Dakota being the top producer.

Eckhoff explains that a few years ago the price of durum was high because of limited global supply, and therefore many farmers opted to plant it. This caused a surplus and ultimately drove the price down. Because of the lower price and the wet spring, fewer crops were planted in 2014. Crops in France and Italy have also suffered because of wet conditions and this could potentially drive the price up.

The outcome remains to be seen as one report predicted that durum that was unaffected by rain would sell in the $8 to $9 range. However durum that suffered the effects of the wet weather- lower test weight, discoloration and low falling numbers- would only sell in the $6 to $8 range. As of September 17, it was estimated that 29% of durum had been harvested in Montana and 20% in North Dakota.