By Scout Nelson
The Kansas Wheat Harvest Report for day one shows a slow start despite expectations of an early season. Weather conditions, including rain and high humidity, have delayed harvesting activities across many regions.
Harvest operations began moving into southern and central Kansas toward the end of last week. However, progress has been limited due to scattered showers and damp conditions. Farmers are waiting for fields to dry before resuming full harvesting operations.
According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service report for the week ending June 8, 2026, the wheat harvest in Kansas is 5 percent complete. This is slightly ahead of the state’s average pace. Crop condition ratings show challenges, with 26 percent of wheat rated very poor, 31 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 14 percent good, and none rated excellent.
One farmer shared his experience after beginning test cutting last week. Rain and storms slowed his work, leaving patches of both dry and moist wheat in fields.
“There are smaller, more dry pockets around,” Turek said. “I see some combines moving around, so I think some guys are going to get going again in this area this afternoon.”
Before the rainfall, initial results showed test weights of 59 and 60, with protein levels of around 11 percent. Yield from the first field reached 44 bushels per acre.
“That is better than what I thought it was going to be,” Turek said. “The drought really took the top end out of it; we thought we had a home run until it didn’t rain in late April and early May.”
Across south central and southwest Kansas, similar reports highlight slow harvesting and below-average yields. Some farmers expect progress to improve by the end of the week as warmer and clearer weather helps dry the crops.
In another region, harvest began earlier, with about 20 percent completed. Yields have varied widely, ranging from 8 to 40 bushels per acre, with an average of around 30 bushels.
“I’d say our biggest challenge this year has been the drought. I’ve cut 40-bushel wheat and 8-bushel wheat this year.”
The Kansas wheat harvest continues, with farmers hopeful that better weather will allow faster progress in the coming days.
Photo Credit: istock-zhaojiankang
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat, Weather