Kansas Fields Benefit from Moisture

By Scout Nelson

According to the latest update from the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Kansas continues to make steady progress in its late-season crop development. For the week ending November 30, 2025, the state recorded 4.1 days suitable for fieldwork. Weather conditions allowed producers to continue harvest activities and monitor winter wheat growth while benefiting from stable moisture across most regions.

Topsoil moisture conditions showed encouraging levels going into winter. Reports indicated that 4% of topsoil was very short, 15% short, 72% adequate, and 9% surplus. Subsoil moisture followed a similar pattern with 5% very short, 18% short, 73% adequate, and 4% surplus. These moisture levels support crop establishment and help prepare fields for winter.

Winter wheat, a key crop for Kansas, showed strong early-season progress. Crop condition ratings stood at 2% very poor, 6% poor, 26% fair, 56% good, and 10% excellent. Winter wheat emergence reached 95%, slightly below last year’s 98% but ahead of the five-year average of 94%. This indicates stable development heading into the colder months.

Harvest progress varied across crops. The Sorghum harvest was 95% complete, slightly behind last year’s pace but close to the long-term average. The cotton harvest reached 59%, which is significantly behind last year’s 78% and the five-year average of 79%. Sunflower harvest stood at 82%, also trailing both last year’s 95% and the average of 97%. These delays reflect seasonal weather patterns and late-season variability.

Pasture and range conditions showed overall stability. Reports rated them at 4% very poor, 9% poor, 27% fair, 54% good, and 6% excellent. Adequate moisture and moderate temperatures supported range of quality across much of the state.

Kansas enters the winter season with favorable soil conditions and strong crop performance. As one agricultural observer noted, “Consistent moisture has helped support steady progress across fields.” This stability provides a solid foundation for winter wheat growth and upcoming spring planning.

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