25% of Kansas wheat emerged late with potential for winter kill

This season’s brutal cold brought concerns of winter wheat kill in the fragile crop.

One Kansas State University Extension Specialist says that air temperatures dropped to extreme lows, but soil temperatures did not.

Romulo Lollato said that snow in North Kansas went a long way, protecting emerging wheat from that winter cold. However, other parts of the state were not as lucky.

Combined with this year’s late emergence, nearly 25% of the crop is a cause for concern. While 25% of Kansas wheat crop is considered vulnerable to winter kill, it is not widespread.

Lollato says that he is confident the other 75% will make it.

Related Stories
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland shares the soybean sector outlook following the announcement of farm aid to offset losses for U.S. row crop growers.
Stable U.S. fundamentals continue for major crops, but global adjustments in corn, soybeans, wheat, and cotton may influence early-2026 pricing.
Sen. Moran joins us to discuss the farm aid package and the financial reality faced by row crop farmers in his home state of Kansas.
Corn and wheat exports continue to outperform last year, while soybeans show steady but subdued movement compared to 2024.
Grain farms still have strong balance sheets, but another stretch of low profits will force hard cost cuts, especially on high-rent, highly leveraged operations.
Mold damage is tightening China’s corn supplies, supporting higher prices and creating potential demand for alternative feed grains in early 2026.

Agriculture Shows
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.
From soil to harvest. Top Crop is an all-new series about four of the best farmers in the world—Dan Luepkes, of Oregan, Illinois; Cory Atley, of Cedarville, Ohio; Shelby Fite, of Jackson Center, Ohio; Russell Hedrick, of Hickory, North Carolina—reveals what it takes for them to make a profitable crop. It all starts with good soil, patience, and a strong planter setup.
Champions of Rural America is a half-hour dive into the legislative priorities for Rural America. Join us as we interview members of the Congressional Western Caucus to learn about efforts in Washington to preserve agriculture and tackles the most important topics in the ag industry on Champions of Rural America!
Featuring members of Congress, federal and state officials, ag and food leaders, farmers, and roundtable panelists for debates and discussions.