PAWNEE COUNTY — Barring additional moisture, area wheat stands are approaching what is expected to be a mid-June start to harvest.

Kim Barnes, of Pawnee County Co-op Association in Larned, said this week that if the weather cooperates, harvest could begin by June 15 in the county. “My prediction was around June 15, but that really depends upon the weather,” Barnes said. “The recent rain really did help to boost expected yields by about 10 bushels per acre. But what we really need is a succession of really warm days to get things dried out.”

Others weren’t as optimistic, but were leaning toward getting started by the first week in July. 

“If we get more rain, and it is kind of looking like we will, we could be looking at cutting wheat on the July 4 holiday,” noted local Pawnee County farmer, realtor and appraiser Tyson Steffen. “We’ve done that plenty of times before.”

Results from May’s 2025 Kansas Wheat tour sponsored by the Kansas Wheat Quality Council predicted that the winter wheat crop statewide yield could surpass 345 million bushels, up from 307.5 million bushels harvest in 2024. Average yield for the state was estimated at 50 bushels per acre, with higher yields in the eastern part of the state and areas receiving more rain, with lower averages expected in western portions still feeling the effects of multi-year drought.

Fall planting was a mixed bag, with some producers dusting in their crops. Others got moisture for planting and setting root structure in November, but then the water tap shut off until April.

With rains in late spring, nearly half the Kansas harvest is being considered in good-to-excellent condition, with only 7% receiving the lowest very poor rating.

In May, the crop production report released by USDA-NASS was somewhat positive, with an increase of about 2% in total production over last year. As is expected, the crop is variable in terms of crop conditions and disease and pest pressures. Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is being reported in Kansas stands.