Kansas winter wheat harvest is moving quickly, but producers continue to face major challenges.

 

According to the USDA’s Agricultural Statistics Service, 83% of Kansas’s wheat crop is now mature, far ahead of last year's 35% and well above the five-year average of 40%.  Harvest is also advancing rapidly, with 28% of the crop already cut, compared to just 3% a year ago.  Despite the fast pace, crop conditions remain disappointing. Nearly 60% of Kansas winter wheat is rated poor to very poor, with only 14% rated good and 0% 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. Chair of the World Agricultural Outlook Board Mark Jekanowski says this year's wheat production is expected to be the lowest since 1970.

 

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