Kansas Crop Growth and Moisture

By Scout Nelson

The latest Kansas crop progress report provides important updates on crop conditions and planting activity for the week ending April 19, 2026. According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, there were 5.6 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing farmers to continue planting and crop management activities.

Soil moisture levels remained a key concern across the state. Topsoil moisture was rated 31% very short, 30% short, 36% adequate, and 3% surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions also showed stress, with 24% rated very short, 34% short, 39% adequate, and 3% surplus. These conditions indicate that many areas are still experiencing limited moisture, which may affect crop growth if dry conditions continue.

Winter wheat conditions showed mixed results. The crop was rated 15% very poor, 26% poor, 35% fair, 22% good, and 2% excellent. Despite these ratings, crop development progressed well. Winter wheat jointing reached 76%, which was ahead of 63% last year and significantly higher than the five-year average of 51%. Wheat heading also advanced to 15%, compared to 5% last year and a 2% average.

Corn planting progress was slightly behind last year. About 17% of the crop was planted, compared to 25% at the same time last year and close to the five-year average of 19%. Corn emergence reached 3%, which was equal to last year and near the average of 2%.

Soybean planting also showed progress, with 7% of the crop planted. This was slightly higher than 4% last year and above the average of 3%, showing steady early-season activity.

Overall, the report shows that while planting and crop development are moving forward, moisture shortages remain a concern. Farmers will continue to monitor weather conditions closely to support healthy crop growth in the coming weeks.

Photo Credit: usda