By Scout Nelson
The latest Kansas crop progress report provides an update on field conditions and crop development for the week ending March 22, 2026. Farmers across the state continue fieldwork activities, supported by favorable weather conditions.
According to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, there are 6.4 days suitable for fieldwork during the week. This allows producers to prepare fields and manage early season tasks efficiently.
Soil moisture levels show mixed conditions across Kansas. Topsoil moisture is reported as 20 percent very short, 40 percent short, 37 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. These numbers indicate that a large portion of the state is experiencing dry conditions, which may impact crop growth if rainfall does not improve.
Subsoil moisture levels also reflect similar trends. Reports show 15 percent very short, 39 percent short, 43 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus. Adequate subsoil moisture supports crop roots, but continued dryness may create challenges for future growth.
Winter wheat conditions vary across the state. The crop is rated 6 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 35 percent fair, 39 percent good, and 7 percent excellent. This shows that while some areas report healthy crop conditions, others continue to face stress due to limited moisture.
Crop development is also progressing. Winter wheat jointing reaches 6 percent, which is higher compared to 3 percent last year and 2 percent for the five-year average. This indicates slightly faster development in some regions.
Overall, the report highlights both progress and challenges. While fieldwork continues at a steady pace, soil moisture shortages remain a concern. Farmers are closely monitoring weather conditions as they prepare for the growing season. Proper management and timely rainfall will be important to support crop health and improve production outcomes across Kansas.
Photo Credit: pexels-binyaminmellish
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat, Weather