By Scout Nelson
The 2025 Kansas wheat harvest is moving forward despite rain delays and disease pressure. According to the USDA's crop progress report for the week ending July 6, the harvest is 82% complete. This is slightly behind last year's 90% but still ahead of the five-year average of 77%.
Farmers report improved wheat yields compared to the past three years of severe drought. However, recent rains have affected test weights and slowed progress. Many are racing to finish before more rainfall causes additional delays.
Josh Debes, a farmer from Barton County, continues his harvest as rain makes fieldwork difficult. His wheat has faced stress from drought and wheat streak mosaic virus. Despite that, Debes expects higher yields than the past two years when drought severely reduced his harvest.
Garden City Coop CEO Jeff Boyd says harvest in their area is about 90 to 95% complete. Rain during the holiday weekend has paused fieldwork in Finney County, with some fields showing lodging—when wheat stalks fall over due to weather. Combines may return in two days if conditions improve.
Boyd reports average test weights of 59 pounds per bushel and protein levels near 11.8%. Yields range from the 30s to the 80s, with top-producing fields in Finney and Lane counties. Farther north, yields tend to drop. Threshing has been difficult in areas with high humidity.
Jay Armstrong completed his Soft Red Winter wheat harvest on July 2. His farm averaged 119 bushels per acre. Although SRW makes up only 4.2% of Kansas wheat, it performed well this season. Armstrong notes frequent rain as the biggest challenge. He has already planted soybeans on the same land.
Photo Credit: usda
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat, Harvesting, Weather