Kansas Crops Enter Winter Strong

By Scout Nelson

The latest Kansas Crop Progress and Condition update from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service provides a clear picture of crop health, harvest activity, and soil moisture levels for the week ending December 7, 2025. The report notes that there were 4.8 days suitable for fieldwork, giving producers limited but useful time to continue end-of-season tasks.

Soil moisture conditions remain steady across much of the state. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 4 percent very short, 14 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 7 percent surplus.

Subsoil moisture followed a similar trend, rated 8 percent very short, 18 percent short, 70 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. These ratings show that most areas of Kansas continue to benefit from stable moisture going into the winter months.

Winter wheat, a major Kansas crop, is showing strong early-season development. The condition of the crop rated 1 percent very poor, 4 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 59 percent good, and 11 percent excellent. These numbers indicate a solid start for the upcoming growing season.

Harvest progress for other crops is behind both last year and the five-year average. Cotton harvest reached 65 percent, compared to 86 percent last year and 87 percent for the average. Sunflower harvest stood at 85 percent, trailing 97 percent last year and 99 percent for the average. Weather conditions and late-season delays contributed to the slower pace.

The pasture and range of conditions across Kansas remained stable as well. Ratings showed 5 percent very poor, 8 percent poor, 28 percent fair, 52 percent good, and 7 percent excellent. These results reflect the impact of consistent moisture on grazing areas.

The USDA notes that “Today’s publication is the last weekly Crop Progress report issued for the 2025 season.” Staff expressed appreciation to county FSA and extension teams for supplying information throughout the year. Monthly reports will be issued from December to February, with weekly reports returning in early March for the 2026 season.

Photo Credit: usda