The early start of wheat harvest in Sumner County isn’t a good thing
June 01, 2026 Cueball
By James Jordan, Sumner Newscow — The month of May is barely over, and the wheat harvest has already started in Sumner County. That is not a good thing. Last year, the harvest didn’t get going well until mid-June, which is still on the early side.
Drought conditions over the winter and early spring caused the wheat to mature earlier than it should have, resulting in poorer yields.
Recent rains are likely too little too late; wet conditions may even hamper the harvest.
Last year, there was good wheat in the fields, but wet conditions prevented a bumper harvest.
State and local wheat officials say the wheat that is out there is not in very good shape.
According to the Kansas Wheat Association, the crop generally looked good as it went into its dormant stage in the late fall. There was not much rain in March and April, which is the primary growing stage, turning a promising crop into a dismal one.
The drought conditions in that growing stage force the wheat to develop faster. It limits the yield and accelerates growth, which is why we have wheat ready to harvest so early.
There are still some areas in Sumner and Cowley County that may get good yields. Conditions are much worse in western and central Kansas.
According to USDA statistics, as of the beginning of May, 41 percent of the wheat was very poor or poor, with 35 percent being fair. Only 24 percent was rated good or excellent.
As of last week, the wheat commission reported 55 percent as poor to very poor, and 30 percent as fair. Only 15 percent was rated good.
Last year at this time, 48 percent was rated as good to excellent.
The USDA estimates that this year’s crop could be the smallest nationwide since 1965 and 25 percent smaller than last year.
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