#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
Nationwide highlights expanded insurance options for cattle operations and their company initiatives to promote grain bin safety and support women in agriculture.
New Holland VP Ryan Schaefer shares insights into the brand’s legacy and innovations that support U.S. cattle producers.
Corey Owens of the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo Association shares updates about this year’s event and its continued impact on youth, agriculture, and the San Angelo community.
Success requires more than talent — on this week’s FFA Today, agriculture students show us the hard work, dedication, and teamwork required to gain important skills outside of the classroom through the National FFA Organization.
Federal assistance has helped, but the most recent row-crop losses remain on producers’ balance sheets.
OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh discusses the EPA’s new Right to Repair guidance and other regulatory developments impacting the trucking and agriculture industries.

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:

The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
Dr. Peter Beetham, interim CEO of Cibus, joined us to discuss the status of EU gene-editing deregulation and its potential implications for agriculture.
Danny Munch of the American Farm Bureau joined us to discuss USDA’s latest farm income forecast, revisions to prior estimates, and what the updated data means for farmers heading into 2026.
HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy calls on cattle producers to retain breeding cows while Ivomec receives emergency authorization to prevent New World screwworm.
SharkFarmer host Rob Sharkey takes us on a tour of the John Deere showcase on the trade show floor of CattleCon 2026 in Nashville.