Kansas Crop Progress Shows Mixed Results

By Scout Nelson

The latest weekly crop report from the National Agricultural Statistics Service shows mixed progress for Kansas agriculture for the week ending May 3, 2026. There were 5.4 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing producers to continue planting and crop management activities.

Soil moisture remains a concern across the state. Topsoil moisture levels are rated 25 percent very short and 35 percent short, with 37 percent adequate and only 3 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture conditions are similar, with 23 percent very short and 38 percent short, while 37 percent is adequate and 2 percent is surplus. These conditions show that dry weather continues to affect crop growth and development.

Winter wheat conditions show a wide range of performances. The crop is rated 17 percent very poor and 27 percent poor, while 34 percent is fair, 20 percent good, and only 2 percent excellent. However, crop development is moving ahead of normal. Winter wheat jointed reaches 95 percent, which is higher than 86 percent last year and the five-year average of 80 percent. Headed wheat stands at 70 percent, much higher than 41 percent last year and 28 percent for the average.

Corn planting is slightly behind last year, with 41 percent completed compared to 48 percent last year and close to the 42 percent average. Corn emergence reaches 20 percent, which is near both last year’s level and the average.

Soybean planting shows steady progress at 25 percent, slightly ahead of last year and above the average of 17 percent. Emergence is at 3 percent, matching last year. Sorghum planting reaches 5 percent, and cotton planting also stands at 5 percent, both close to normal levels.

Pasture and range conditions remain stable, with 11 percent rated very poor, 16 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 33 percent good, and 5 percent excellent.

Overall, Kansas agriculture shows steady crop development, but moisture shortages continue to affect overall conditions.

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