By Scout Nelson
The Kansas wheat harvest is underway across southern and central parts of the state, despite delays caused by rain and humidity. As of June 22, 2025, the harvest is 20 percent complete, significantly behind the 49 percent recorded at this time last year and the five-year average of 31 percent, according to USDA’s crop progress report.
Growers continue to face issues like wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), which has impacted both yield and test weight in many areas. Despite these challenges, some farmers are reporting better yields than last year, though protein levels are generally lower, averaging in the low to mid-11 percent range.
In counties like Ford and Barber, harvest began around mid-June. Harvest progress in those regions varies, with some areas nearing 70 percent completion. Rain has caused delays and created muddy fields, but where dry weather has held, the harvest has moved steadily forward. Yields in these areas are reported between 45 and 60 bushels per acre.
Central Kansas has also seen improvement from last year’s crop. Test weights are often coming in at or above 60 pounds per bushel, and protein levels around 12 percent in some places. However, WSMV has significantly reduced yield potential in certain fields, especially in Saline and Dickinson counties.
“WSMV took over half of what the wheat could potentially make,” a grower reported. “We haven’t seen any in the area in a while.”
Some wheat varieties, such as KS Mako and KS Providence, have shown strong performance even in the face of disease and tough conditions. KS Mako has demonstrated good tolerance to wheat streak mosaic.
Harvest continues across the state as farmers aim to make the most of improving weather and resilient crop varieties.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat, Weather