By Scout Nelson
The 2025 Kansas wheat harvest is nearly complete, with around 90 percent of fields harvested in many regions. Despite early drought and wheat streak mosaic virus challenges, yields have been stronger than expected. Test weights and protein levels began strong but dropped slightly due to late-season rains.
Harvest results vary across the state. Areas in the northwest corner and north of Highway 24 reported below average yields. In contrast, fields in Ness County and parts of Frontier Ag’s trade territory showed above-average performance compared to recent years. The biggest setbacks were seen along the I-70 corridor, where the virus significantly impacted crops.
Test weights ranged from 58 to 63 pounds per bushel early in the season but have declined to around 57 to 58 pounds due to rain. Similarly, protein levels dropped from initial highs of 13.5 to 14 percent to more average levels near 11 percent.
Earlier dry conditions last fall forced many producers to replace wheat in November. These later-drilled fields are now outperforming earlier plantings, helping boost overall yield averages. Late-season showers, however, delayed harvest in some areas and caused complications during maturity and harvesting.
Producers in western Kansas noted that wheat still remains a valuable crop due to its fit in crop rotations and benefits to soil structure. Good yields and market conditions continue to make wheat a strong option in Kansas agriculture.
Uneven crop maturity caused by dry planting conditions has added to harvest difficulties this year. However, hard white wheat varieties like KS Big Bow, KS Silverado, and KS Snow Fox showed resilience throughout the growing season.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-ianchrisgraham
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Wheat, Weather