Kansas Crop Progress Shows Slow Harvest

By Scout Nelson

For the week ending September 21, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reports Kansas farmers experienced 4.3 days suitable for fieldwork.  

Topsoil moisture supplies are rated 3% very short, 14% short, 68% adequate, and 15% surplus. Subsoil moisture stands at 6% very short, 19% short, 65% adequate, and 10% surplus, reflecting balanced soil conditions for late season crops.

Winter wheat planting reaches 9%, behind last year’s 15% and the five year average of 16%. Wheat emerged is 1%, holding close to 2% reported both last year and on average.

Corn condition is rated 4% very poor, 8% poor, 27% fair, 45% good, and 16% excellent. Corn dented is 97%, equal to last year and near the 96% average. Mature corn stands at 70%, trailing last year’s 83% but close to the 74% average. Harvested corn is 20%, slower than 39% last year and below the 29% average.

Soybean condition is 2% very poor, 6% poor, 24% fair, 56% good, and 12% excellent. Soybeans dropping leaves total 41%, behind 52% last year and 50% average. Harvested soybeans are at 1%, near the 4% recorded both last year and on average.

Sorghum condition is 4% very poor, 7% poor, 26% fair, 45% good, and 18% excellent. Sorghum coloring stands at 86%, close to 89% last year and 87% average. Mature sorghum is 38%, behind 47% last year and matching the average. Harvested sorghum is 4%, compared with 10% last year and near the 6% average.

Cotton condition is 0% very poor, 11% poor, 31% fair, 42% good, and 16% excellent. Cotton bolls opening is 22%, well behind 64% last year and the 60% average.

Pasture and range conditions remain stable at 4% very poor, 10% poor, 27% fair, 51% good, and 8% excellent. Kansas fields show steady conditions as farmers continue fall harvest and planting efforts.

Photo Credit:usda