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
Industry support ensures continued funding for mango marketing and research, helping sustain long-term demand growth.
Lower U.S. and Mexican production means tighter sugar supplies and greater reliance on imports headed into 2026.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition discusses industry reactions to the proposed Union Pacific–Norfolk Southern merger, the Surface Transportation Board’s review process, and current conditions on the Mississippi River.
Richard Gupton of the Agricultural Retailers Association explains a new resource designed to help farmers comply with ESA-related pesticide label requirements.
Lower tariff rates and new rail-service proposals may improve corn movement efficiency during early-season marketing.
Crop producers face tightening credit and lower incomes, while strong cattle markets continue to stabilize finances in livestock-heavy regions.

Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.