Drought Devastates Kansas Wheat Industry
Kansas has long been known as the 'Wheat State', but its reputation may be waning due to changing climate conditions and rising costs of production. The state's wheat industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, with the 2026 crop being cut in half to around 196 million bushels due to severe drought and dry spring conditions.
The introduction of Turkey Red wheat in 1874 by Russian Mennonites revolutionized the Kansas wheat industry, allowing it to thrive in the state's challenging climate. However, low commodity prices compared to corn or soybeans have made it difficult for farmers to make a profit from wheat production.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nationally, 1.5 billion bushels of all wheat types were recorded over 21.04 million harvested acres in 2025, with an average winter wheat yield of 47 bushels per acre. In contrast, Kansas farmers have been shifting towards more profitable or resilient crops like corn and soybeans.
The high cost of inputs such as fertilizer, seed, fuel, and other expenses has also contributed to the decline of the state's wheat industry. Farm bankruptcies are on the rise, with Chapter 12 filings increasing by 46% in 2025 compared to the previous year.