Kansas Wheat Harvest Faces Mixed Results Due to Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus

By Scout Nelson

The Kansas wheat harvest continues into its eighth day, supported by the Kansas Wheat Commission and partners. While harvest operations are underway across multiple counties, several challenges are affecting the pace and quality of the crop.

Grower's report yields are generally average when compared to recent years. However, the impact of wheat streak mosaic virus has been significant. The virus, more widespread than usual this spring, has caused reduced yields, shorter plant height, and lighter test weights in many fields. In areas not affected by the virus, test weights remain stronger, ranging from 58 to 60 pounds per bushel. Protein levels range from 11.5 percent to 15.5 percent.

Harvest crews are still working through a large portion of acres, with around two-thirds of the work remaining in some locations. Scattered rains have delayed operations and further impacted test weights.

In Kingman Countycurrent yields are between 50 and 55 bushels per acre. Protein levels there range from 10.5 to 11.5 percent, with test weights initially near 60 to 63 pounds but now closer to 58. Around 85 to 90 percent of harvest is complete, but the remaining fields need to dry before work can finish. The biggest challenge is the extended harvest timeline.

Further west, in areas with minimal rainfall over recent years, wheat conditions vary. Some fields have suffered wind damage, and grain heads are harder to collect due to shorter plants. Despite these issues, test weights remain steady between 59 and 61 pounds per bushel. While rain arrived too late to improve yield, grainfill conditions were ideal, with cool and rainy weather.
 

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