OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (RFD NEWS) — Months of dry weather are forcing some Kansas farmers to abandon hard red winter wheat acres as drought conditions continue to pressure crops across the Southern Plains. Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, winter wheat is also under significant stress, with nearly half of the crop rated poor to very poor amid ongoing moisture shortages and disease concerns.
Producers across the region are now weighing difficult decisions as the growing season approaches, with some fields being transitioned entirely out of wheat production.
Drought Conditions Push Kansas Farmers to Abandon Wheat Acres
In Kansas, prolonged dry weather is driving some farmers to abandon hard red winter wheat fields, while others are shifting to alternative crops based on local conditions. An economist with Kansas State University says the impact is uneven across the state.
“As you drive around the state right now, you see some fields that have been sprayed with the intention of planting spring-seeded, fall-harvested crops into them—corn, sorghum, maybe soybeans, depending on where it’s at. But I’ve seen that, I guess, more so in the central part of the state. In the western part of the state, we vary quite a bit. It’s, I guess, I’d call it spotty.”Industry estimates suggest abandoned wheat acres in Kansas could rise further if dry conditions persist. Current projections place abandonment at 10-13% statewide, though final figures will depend heavily on late-season moisture.
Across the Plains, farmers continue to monitor crop development closely as drought stress builds heading into key growth stages for winter wheat.
Oklahoma Wheat Crop Faces Similar Pressure
In Oklahoma, winter wheat conditions remain under heavy strain, with drought and disease compounding challenges across many growing regions. Nearly half of the state’s crop is currently rated poor to very poor.
Mike Schulte with the Oklahoma Wheat Commission says conditions remain highly variable, with moisture levels playing a critical role in crop outlook.
Schulte joined us on Friday’s Market Day Report to discuss how the crop is progressing and what producers are facing on the ground as dry weather persists. He noted that uneven stands, limited moisture, and disease pressure are all contributing to uncertainty as the season progresses.
He also addressed whether timely rainfall could still improve yield potential and the broader implications for Oklahoma wheat producers if drought conditions continue. Looking ahead, Schulte says the combination of weather stress and crop variability will likely shape both production outcomes and market expectations for the region’s wheat industry.
