US wheat tour reveals lower yields and strong industry collaboration
The Wheat Quality Council conducted its 68th annual Hard Red Winter Wheat Tour in Kansas from May 11 to 14, 2026. The event brought together more than 60 participants from 16 U.S. states and three countries to review crop conditions and production trends.
The tour covered multiple routes across the state, with teams traveling through key wheat-growing areas such as Manhattan, Colby, and Wichita. Participants included farmers, wheat breeders, grain traders, millers, and international buyers. This mix provided a broad view of the wheat supply chain and allowed direct discussions about crop conditions and farming practices.
“Since I work in trade policy, it’s always super valuable for me to get out into the field and see wheat production areas, talk to growers and see growing practices and crop quality firsthand,” said Ryan Olson, director of trade policy for U.S. Wheat Associates (USW). “It grounds my work and provides a stronger connection between the policy arena, the wheat as a product and the growers we represent.”
During the tour, participants visited fields, measured crop conditions, and estimated yields. Many noted the impact of ongoing drought on the 2026 winter wheat crop. The three-day average yield estimate was 38.9 bushels per acre.
Kansas Wheat reported that about 7.0 million acres were planted, while the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service estimated 5.8 million acres would be harvested.
The official production estimate from the tour was 218 million bushels, based on data collected from 394 fields across Kansas. This was slightly higher than the USDA estimate of 214.6 million bushels with a yield of 37 bushels per acre.
Despite challenging weather conditions, participants highlighted the role of improved farming practices and wheat varieties. Advances in breeding and technology have helped crops remain more resilient under stress.
The tour also provided valuable networking opportunities. Industry stakeholders shared insights on production, quality and market demand, reinforcing the importance of collaboration across the wheat sector.
International participants, including buyers from Latin America, expressed strong interest in U.S. wheat production systems. They noted the consistent focus on quality and continuous improvement within the U.S. supply chain.
Overall, the tour emphasized both the challenges of the current crop season and the strength of the U.S. wheat industry in adapting to environmental pressures through innovation and cooperation.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ianchrisgraham