Kansas winter wheat harvest is moving quickly, but producers continue to face major challenges. According to the USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service, 83 percent of Kansas’s wheat crop is now mature, far ahead of last year's 35 percent and well above the five-year average of 40 percent. Harvest is also advancing rapidly, with 28 percent of the crop already cut, compared to just 3 percent a year ago.

 

Despite the fast pace, crop conditions remain disappointing. Nearly 60 percent of Kansas winter wheat is rated poor to very poor, with only 14 percent rated good and none rated excellent. Dry conditions and weather stress have taken a toll on yields.

 

Nationally, winter wheat conditions have also declined from a year ago, adding to concerns about overall production as harvest expands across the Plains. Mark Jekanowski, Chair of the World Agricultural Outlook Board, noted that this year's wheat production is expected to be the lowest since 1970, according to this month's domestic wheat supply-and-demand estimates.

 

Harvest is off to a strong start, but disappointing yields and stressed crops are leaving many growers with more concerns than celebrations.