By Scout Nelson
Kansas farmers had 6.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending August 16, 2026, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). Dry weather continued to impact many areas, with soil moisture levels remaining below ideal conditions for crop growth.
Topsoil moisture was rated 25% very short, 35% short, 38% adequate, and 2% surplus, while subsoil moisture was rated 24% very short, 36% short, 39% adequate, and 1% surplus. Limited moisture supplies continued to place stress on crops across several regions of the state.
Corn conditions were mixed, with 12% rated very poor, 17% poor, 29% fair, 33% good, and 9% excellent. Crop development remained on schedule, with 94% of corn silking and 78% reaching the dough stage, while 41% had dented and 8% had matured.
Soybean conditions were generally more favorable than corn, with 45% rated good and 9% excellent. Soybean blooming reached 88%, and 67% of fields were setting pods, keeping pace with both last year and historical averages.
Sorghum continued to face challenges, with nearly one-third of the crop rated poor to very poor. Sixty-two percent of sorghum had headed, lagging behind last year and the five-year average, while 20% had begun coloring.
Cotton conditions were mixed, with 37% of the crop rated good to excellent. Boll setting reached 89%, and 8% of bolls had opened, reflecting progress similar to previous years.
Pasture and range conditions remained varied across Kansas. Ratings were 12% very poor, 18% poor, 33% fair, 31% good, and 6% excellent, indicating ongoing effects of dry conditions in parts of the state.
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Weather