Midwest crop conditions dip as wheat struggles persist

Apr 23, 2024

By Farms.com

This week, the agricultural spotlight is on the declining health of winter wheat in Kansas and Oklahoma, with both states observing notable reductions in crop conditions. In Oklahoma, good to excellent ratings for winter wheat have dropped from 60% to 49% in just one week. Kansas has experienced a similar decline, with ratings falling from 43% to 36% good to excellent.

The corn planting season is advancing, with Oklahoma reaching 34% planted, a notable increase over both last year and the five-year average. Kansas's corn planting is also progressing well at 26%, slightly ahead of previous metrics.

Despite the downturn in wheat conditions, livestock health in Oklahoma has shown improvement, with 70% rated good to excellent. This is an increase from previous weeks and suggests some resilience in this sector.

Pasture and range conditions are also a concern, with Oklahoma's good to excellent ratings holding steady at 42%, but still significantly better than last year’s dismal 13%.

Further south in Texas, winter wheat conditions are similarly challenging, with a slight decrease in good to excellent ratings. Corn emergence in Texas is consistent with previous years, supporting a cautiously optimistic view for this staple crop.

As planting continues and summer approaches, these metrics will be essential for farmers and market analysts alike to gauge the potential impact on both local and national agricultural markets. The coming weeks will be critical for assessing whether these trends will stabilize or continue their downward trajectory.

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.