The U.S. Department of Agriculture predicts that the 2026 wheat crop will be the smallest since 1972, with only 1.56 billion bushels expected, down 21% from the previous year. Kansas, one of the top overall producers of wheat in the U.S., is particularly affected with 58% of the crop rated as 'poor' or 'very poor.' Climate change is exacerbating the challenges faced by farmers in producing crops.
Orville Williams has had a healthy wheat crop on his 2,600-acre farm in Montezuma, Kansas, every year since he was a teenager. But this season feels different with sharp drops in production.
Crop estimates underscore just how bad the situation is. Growers will see their smallest wheat crop in terms of production since 1972, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture; 1.56 billion bushels this year, down 21% from 2025. Only in five of the past 40 years has Kansas' wheat crop been in such a bad state, an analysis of USDA data shows, with 58% of the crop rated as ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ as of May 17.
Climate change, caused by the burning of gas, oil and coal, has made farming a number of crops increasingly challenging over the years, and wheat is no exception. Several wheat farmers described worsening extremes this year, including the spreading wheat streak mosaic virus and barley yellow dwarf virus, which impact the potential of the crop
Wheat Drought Production Climate Change Farmerinput
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Oregon Lawsuit Against Dakoda Fields Shows Business Side Of Transfer EraThe transfer portal situation surrounding former Oregon Ducks cornerback Dakoda Fields is still unfolding, as Oregon is suing Fields for alleged breach of contr
Read more »
Sourdough Vs. Whole Wheat: Experts Reveal Which Bread Is HealthierThe answer may surprise you.
Read more »
Severe Crop Losses in Kansas Wheat Growers Alleviate UncertaintyThe 2026 wheat season has proven to be particularly challenging for Kansas wheat farmers, who are seeing smaller production levels compared to previous years. As a result of tough conditions and the spread of wheat streak mosaic and barley yellow dwarf viruses, many have had to file for crop insurance or consider other crops to reduce uncertainty.
Read more »
Drought-hit wheat crop, Kansas' smallest in decades, signals tough conditions for growers and pricesKansas wheat producers face their smallest crop in decades amid a severe drought. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects the 2025 wheat production to be 1.56 billion bushels, a record low and the lowest since 1972. This situation cannot escape impacts on consumers as well.
Read more »