#Plant26: Ongoing Drought Delays Corn Plantings in Kansas, Accelerates Spring Wheat Harvest

Kansas row crop farmer Brad Keeler joins us to discuss drought conditions, planting decisions, input costs, and overall farmer sentiment in his region.

GYPSUM, Kan. (RFD NEWS) — Drought is influencing planting decisions for many farmers this season, with some growers reporting delays and uncertainty across the region.

Kansas farmer Brad Keeler joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to share an update on regional planting progress from his farm.

In his interview with RFD News, Keeler discussed his farming background, noting that he has been farming since 1972 and currently grows corn, soybeans, and wheat, and provided an update on planting progress. He said that while corn planting has just begun, ongoing drought conditions are creating a challenging outlook.

In addition, Keeler discussed wheat on his operation, noting it is already heading and what that means for harvest timing, including the possibility of an earlier harvest than in past years. He also described what he is hearing from other farmers in the area, including whether some are considering not planting at all due to dry conditions.

He went on to address concerns around rising input prices and how those costs are affecting decision-making this season. Finally, he shared his outlook for the growing season.

Related Stories
USDA’s March WASDE report leaves U.S. corn, soybean and wheat ending stocks unchanged while adjusting global production estimates for South America.
U.S. Agriculture Faces Mixed Weather, Market Pressures
Strong exports and production support ongoing corn demand.
Brooks York with AgriSompo provide insight on crop insurance considerations and the decisions farmers are making as the enrollment deadline approaches.
Farm legal expert Roger McEowen discusses a new rail antitrust case in Kansas and its potential implications for farmers as rail upgrades signal continued export-driven demand for logistics.
Surging energy markets are quickly becoming a cost story for U.S. agriculture as crude oil climbs on supply fears tied to the Middle East conflict.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne William talks about Wear Blue Day, the history of the blue jacket, and why the tradition continues to inspire pride and connection among FFA members nationwide.
The closure of Lubbock Feeders highlights mounting pressure on the U.S. cattle supply, according to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, as border restrictions and costs strain feedyards.
From projected drops in input costs to biofuel expansion and the USDA’s new “One Farmer, One File” initiative, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins shared key policy priorities at Commodity Classic that put farm issues back in the spotlight.
NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart discussed the legal process behind delisting the prairie chicken, the challenges ranchers faced under the bird’s previous protections, and the benefits of cooperative habitat management for both livestock and wildlife.
U.S.-Mexico agricultural trade faces uncertainty in 2026 as tariffs and cartel violence threaten farmers and ranchers. Congressman Henry Cuellar and Texas leaders weigh in on impacts and risks.
At Commodity Classic in San Antonio, growers explore new herbicide options, John Deere’s latest 8 Series tractors, and cutting-edge ag technology shaping the 2026 planting season. Here are some of RFD NEWS’ highlights from the event so far.