Kansas Moisture and Crop Update

By Scout Nelson

Kansas recorded 5.0 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending November 23, 2025, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Weather and field conditions supported continued harvest activity, while moisture levels remained mostly favourable across the state.

Topsoil moisture was rated 3% very short, 15% short, 74% adequate, and 8% surplus. Subsoil moisture showed a similar pattern, with 4% very short, 18% short, 74% adequate, and 4% surplus.

Winter wheat, an important crop for Kansas, showed promising development. Conditions were rated 1% very poor, 5% poor, 32% fair, 53% good, and 9% excellent. Winter wheat emergence reached 90%, slightly behind last year’s 95% but close to the five-year average of 91%. Overall, the crop continues to show steady progress heading into the colder months.

Harvest activity continued across major crops. The corn harvest was 95% complete, a bit slower than last year’s 100% but close to the 99% average. Soybean harvest reached 97%, nearly matching last year and consistent with the long-term average.

Sorghum harvest was 88%, slower than both the previous year’s 96% and the 95% average. Cotton harvest was 52% complete, trailing last year’s 70% and the 68% average. The sunflower harvest reached 80%, also behind last year’s 93% and the 94% average.

Pasture and range of conditions remained stable and mostly positive. Ratings showed 2% very poor, 6% poor, 30% fair, 54% good, and 8% excellent. These conditions reflect the benefit of adequate moisture across much of the state and support overall livestock feed needs heading into winter.

Overall, Kansas crop progress shows a mix of strong crop conditions, steady harvest activities, and mostly favorable soil moisture. While some crops remain slightly behind last year’s pace, statewide conditions continue to support healthy agricultural development as the season advances.

Photo Credit: usda