By Salina311 Staff
Source: U.S. Wheat Associates – Weekly Harvest Report, June 27, 2025, and USDA Kansas Crop Progress Report
SALINA, KS — The Kansas wheat harvest is gradually progressing, though scattered rain and persistent heat continue to challenge producers across the state. As of this week, the 2025/26 Hard Red Winter (HRW) wheat crop is estimated to be 13% harvested nationwide, according to U.S. Wheat Associates. Kansas, however, remains behind schedule due to frequent rainfall and elevated humidity that have delayed field access in many areas.
Locally, Saline County producers were prepared to begin cutting earlier this week, with many conducting moisture tests and staging equipment. However, a brief but heavy downpour on Tuesday afternoon temporarily halted activity, pushing the start of harvest operations to later in the week. Combines are now running steadily in most parts of the county, though some low-lying fields remain too saturated for equipment.
Statewide Snapshot: Kansas Still Behind Schedule
According to the USDA Kansas Crop Progress and Condition Report (Week Ending June 22):
Only 20% of Kansas’ winter wheat has been harvested, compared to 49% at this time last year and the 5-year average of 31%.
Crop maturity is at 75% statewide, while coloring is nearly complete at 97%.
Topsoil moisture is currently rated 72% adequate and 7% surplus, reflecting the wet conditions that continue to delay equipment in parts of the state.
Crop Condition and Yield Variability
The USDA also reports that 45% of the Kansas wheat crop is rated good to excellent, with 32% fair and 23% poor or very poor. These ratings reflect the uneven impact of rainfall and temperature fluctuations across the state. Reports from Kansas Wheat indicate that in some regions like Russell County, harvest is moving quickly, with some fields already halfway complete as of June 25. However, yield reports remain highly variable.
The U.S. Wheat Associates report also highlights similar inconsistencies across the Southern and Central Plains, with some areas experiencing reduced yields, abandonment, and delays due to excess rain over the past two months. While test cutting has begun in Colorado, Nebraska, and Oregon, progress in Kansas remains dependent on how quickly fields can dry out.
Early Lab Results Show Promising Quality
As lab samples begin to come in, preliminary quality results for HRW wheat remain solid despite the weather:
Average Test Weight: 61.4 lb/bu
Protein Content: 11.9% (12% moisture basis)
Falling Number (FN): 358 seconds
Thousand Kernel Weight (TKW): 30.1 grams
These indicators suggest that grain quality remains strong, even if yields may be reduced in some areas.
Pest and Disease Impact
Kansas producers have noted scattered cases of wheat streak mosaic virus, particularly in central counties, which may be impacting yields and test weights. Despite these concerns, overall disease and pest pressure remains low—a factor helping to preserve crop quality in drier regions.
Weather Outlook
Looking ahead, forecasts show drier conditions in the Central Plains, which could help Kansas harvest progress catch up. Scattered precipitation remains possible in the Southern Plains, while the Northern Plains continue to see cooler temperatures and sporadic rainfall. The Pacific Northwest and Montana remain locked in dry, hot conditions, which are accelerating crop maturity there.
Bottom Line: The Kansas wheat harvest is in motion, but progress remains spotty. With many counties playing catch-up and local rain events still creating delays, the next 7–10 days will be critical in determining the pace—and success—of this year’s harvest.