US winter wheat plantings approaching five-year averages

Farmers in the United States have begun planting winter wheat for the 2026 harvest. As of September 14, planting had begun in 16 of the 18 major producing states, and is proceeding roughly at the five-year average.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) weekly Crop and Crop Conditions report indicates that winter wheat has been planted on 11% of the acreage, more than double the previous week’s figure of 5%. This compares to 13% of the acreage planted on the same date a year earlier, and the average for the 2020-2024 period is also 13%.

States producing hard red and white wheat varieties have led the way in terms of planting rates. In Kansas, the largest hard red winter wheat producing state, 4% of the field is planted, compared to 1% last week, 8% a year earlier, and the five-year average of 7%. In Oklahoma, planting began last week, reaching 4%, compared to 5% a year ago and the five-year average of 9%.

“Overall, moisture levels are looking promising for planting, which will continue over the next 30-60 days,” noted Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat. “People are noticing that recent rains have left some moisture in some areas, and farmers need to let the ground dry out before going into the fields. Looking at both topsoil and subsurface moisture, we’re in pretty good shape compared to the last five to six years.” Of course, the situation is not uniform across the state, but for most areas, especially central, west-central, and southwest Kansas, moisture indicators look optimistic for planting.”

In other regions, planting progress as of September 14 was as follows: Texas – 13% (average 14%), Colorado – 20% (30%), Nebraska – 17% (16%), South Dakota – 23% (22%), and Montana – 11% (18%).

“The main issue for farmers right now is price levels,” Gilpin added. “Input prices and high production costs are impacting wheat prices and, consequently, final planting acreage.”

In states producing soft red winter wheat, planting has just begun: Missouri – 2% (average 0%), Illinois – 2% (1%), Indiana – 4% (2%), Ohio – 0% (1%), Michigan – 4% (4%).

In the leading white winter wheat-producing states, planting is active: Washington – 50% (average 42%), Oregon – 13% (9%), Idaho – 12% (14%).

Tags: wheat, USA