By Scout Nelson
Kansas farmers continued making planting progress during the week ending May 10, 2026, despite ongoing dry soil conditions in many areas of the state. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 5.9 days suitable for fieldwork during the week, allowing producers to continue planting and crop management activities.
Topsoil moisture conditions across Kansas remained a concern. Reports showed 27% of topsoil moisture was rated very short, while 38% was rated short. Only 34% of topsoil moisture supplies were considered adequate, and 1% was rated surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions showed similar patterns, with 27% rated very short and 37% rated short.
Winter wheat conditions remained difficult in several areas. The crop was rated 21% very poor, 30% poor, 32% fair, 16% good, and only 1% excellent. However, wheat development continued ahead of normal. Winter wheat headed reached 86%, well ahead of 67% last year and significantly above the five-year average of 49%.
Corn planting reached 52%, slightly behind last year’s pace of 59% and near the average of 55%. Corn emergence reached 32%, behind 39% from last year but close to the five-year average of 30%.
Soybean planting showed positive progress across the state. Producers planted 36% of the soybean crop, slightly ahead of both last year and the average pace. Soybean emergence reached 11%, remaining close to historical averages.
Sorghum planting reached 6%, staying near both last year’s progress and the five-year average. Cotton planting advanced to 12%, moving ahead of last year’s pace but remaining close to the normal average. Sunflower planting reached 1%, matching the historical average for this time of year.
Pasture and range conditions across Kansas were rated 12% very poor, 18% poor, 31% fair, 34% good, and 5% excellent as dry weather continued affecting grazing areas statewide.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Corn, Soybeans, Wheat, Sorghum, Weather