By Scout Nelson
The latest Kansas crop progress and condition report provides an update on fieldwork, soil moisture, and crop development for the week ending April 5, 2026. Farmers experience favorable conditions, with 6.0 days suitable for fieldwork, allowing steady progress in planting and crop management.
Soil moisture levels remain a concern in many areas. Topsoil moisture is rated 23 percent very short, 39 percent short, 34 percent adequate, and 4 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture shows similar conditions, with 18 percent very short, 39 percent short, 41 percent adequate, and 2 percent surplus. These numbers indicate that while some areas have enough moisture, many regions still face dryness.
Winter wheat conditions show mixed results across the state. The crop is rated 9 percent very poor, 15 percent poor, 38 percent fair, 33 percent good, and 5 percent excellent. Even with some challenges, wheat development shows strong progress this season.
One key growth stage, known as jointing, is ahead of normal levels. About 41 percent of the winter wheat crop has reached this stage. This is much higher compared to 24 percent at the same time last year and above the five-year average of 18 percent. This indicates faster crop development, likely supported by suitable weather conditions for fieldwork.
Corn planting also begins at a steady pace. Around 5 percent of the crop is planted, which is close to last year’s 4 percent and slightly above the five-year average of 3 percent. This shows that planting is moving forward as expected.
Overall, the report highlights both progress and challenges. While farmers benefit from good fieldwork days and strong wheat development, limited soil moisture may affect future crop growth. Continued monitoring of weather and moisture conditions will be important in the coming weeks.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ygrek
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Corn, Wheat, Weather