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Kansas Wheat Faces Challenges from Weather Extremes and Pests

Kansas Wheat Faces Challenges from Weather Extremes and Pests

Kansas wheat producers are facing significant challenges due to a combination of weather extremes, drought conditions, and pest pressure, as reported by experts from Kansas State University on the Agriculture Today podcast. Agronomists Logan Simon and Jeanne Falk Jones have highlighted the impact of recent temperature fluctuations, which have ranged from 12°F to 24°F (-11°C to -4°C), causing stress during key developmental stages of the wheat crop. These cold events followed warmer periods, exacerbating the stress on the plants. Additionally, dry conditions, particularly in western Kansas, have slowed growth due to limited soil moisture, potentially affecting yield if these conditions persist. Pest pressure, notably from the brown wheat mite, is also emerging as a concern in southern Kansas.
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Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Receives Environmental Education Award for Statewide Impact

Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Receives Environmental Education Award for Statewide Impact

The Kansas Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom (KFAC) has been honored with the 2026 Excellence in Conservation and Environmental Education Award by the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE). This recognition highlights KFAC's innovative and collaborative efforts in promoting agricultural and environmental literacy across Kansas. For over 40 years, KFAC has been instrumental in connecting students with Kansas's agricultural heritage through a comprehensive curriculum that spans various subjects. The foundation's initiatives include distributing classroom kits and developing digital tools like the Clickable Kansas County Map, which have significantly expanded its reach to over 200,000 students and 5,000 teachers statewide.
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Dan Moser Appointed Dean of K-State's College of Agriculture, Aiming to Elevate Agricultural Education

Dan Moser Appointed Dean of K-State's College of Agriculture, Aiming to Elevate Agricultural Education

Dan Moser has been appointed as the permanent Eldon Gideon Dean of Kansas State University's College of Agriculture, following a national search. Moser, who previously served as interim dean, aims to elevate the college's reputation as a national leader in agricultural education and research. As the chief academic and administrative officer, Moser will provide leadership and strategic vision for the college's faculty and staff, advancing high-quality teaching, research, engagement, and extension. The college has been recognized as a top-five institution for agricultural science in the U.S., and Moser plans to leverage new facilities to support agricultural innovation both in Kansas and globally.
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Agriculture Technology-as-a-Service Market Projected to Reach $18.13 Billion by 2033

Agriculture Technology-as-a-Service Market Projected to Reach $18.13 Billion by 2033

Agriculture Technology-as-a-Service Market Projected to Reach $18.13 Billion by 2033
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Dry, Cool Conditions in Kansas Favor Brown Wheat Mite Activity

Dry, Cool Conditions in Kansas Favor Brown Wheat Mite Activity

Dry and cool weather across Kansas is fostering an environment conducive to brown wheat mites, raising concerns among wheat producers as the growing season progresses. According to Global Agriculture, Anthony Zukoff, a K-State Extension entomologist, reports of brown wheat mite activity have been widespread, particularly in western Kansas, with cases extending into central parts of the state. These mites thrive under dry and cool conditions, and their damage can mimic drought stress, making proper identification crucial for producers. Brown wheat mites are considered an early-season pest in wheat and triticale, and their feeding damage often appears as yellow stripping along the leaves, with leaf tips dying back under heavy pressure.
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Kansas State University Warns Wheat Growers of Brown Wheat Mite Threat Amid Dry Conditions

Kansas State University Warns Wheat Growers of Brown Wheat Mite Threat Amid Dry Conditions

Kansas State University researcher Anthony Zukoff has raised concerns about the increasing activity of brown wheat mites in Kansas due to dry and cool conditions. These mites, typically found in western Kansas, have been reported as far east as Salina. Brown wheat mites are early-season pests that can cause damage resembling drought stress, making accurate identification crucial for wheat producers. Zukoff advises farmers to scout fields during the warmest part of the day when mites are most active. Treatment options are limited and should be used judiciously, as they can also harm beneficial insects. The mite population is expected to peak in mid- to late April before naturally declining.
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Weather Extremes Challenge Kansas Wheat Production

Weather Extremes Challenge Kansas Wheat Production

Kansas wheat producers are facing significant challenges due to a combination of weather extremes, drought conditions, and pest pressure. According to experts from Kansas State University, recent temperature fluctuations have raised concerns about crop growth and development. The state has experienced temperatures ranging from 12 to 24 degrees, with cold events following warmer periods, stressing wheat during key developmental stages. Dry conditions, particularly in western Kansas, are further complicating growth, while pest issues such as brown wheat mites are emerging in southern areas. Agronomists emphasize the importance of cautious management decisions as the season progresses.
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Weather Extremes and Pest Pressure Challenge Kansas Wheat Producers

Weather Extremes and Pest Pressure Challenge Kansas Wheat Producers

Kansas wheat producers are facing significant challenges due to a combination of weather extremes, drought conditions, and pest pressure as the 2026 growing season progresses. According to experts from Kansas State University, recent months have seen substantial temperature fluctuations, which have raised concerns about the growth and development of wheat crops. Agronomists Logan Simon and Jeanne Falk Jones highlighted that the state has experienced temperatures ranging from 12°F to 24°F (-11°C to -4°C), with cold spells following warmer periods, stressing the wheat during crucial developmental stages. Additionally, dry conditions, particularly in western Kansas, have slowed growth due to limited soil moisture, potentially affecting yield if these conditions persist. Pest issues, such as the brown wheat mite, are also emerging in southern Kansas, adding to the challenges faced by farmers.
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DroneDash and GEODNET Introduce AI-Driven Precision Spraying Drones for U.S. Agriculture

DroneDash and GEODNET Introduce AI-Driven Precision Spraying Drones for U.S. Agriculture

DroneDash and GEODNET Introduce AI-Driven Precision Spraying Drones for U.S. Agriculture
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Former Kansas Forward Bryson Tiller Considers Transfer to Rival Missouri, Sparking Fan Outrage

Former Kansas Forward Bryson Tiller Considers Transfer to Rival Missouri, Sparking Fan Outrage

Former Kansas Forward Bryson Tiller Considers Transfer to Rival Missouri, Sparking Fan Outrage
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Severe Storms and Tornadoes Threaten Central US with Flooding Concerns

Severe Storms and Tornadoes Threaten Central US with Flooding Concerns

The central United States is facing a week of severe weather, marked by destructive tornadoes and heavy rainfall. On Monday, multiple tornadoes caused significant damage in Kansas, demolishing buildings and leading to widespread destruction. Heavy rain has resulted in flooding in Wisconsin, stranding vehicles and prompting rescue operations. Baseball-sized hail has been reported across several states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin. The threat continues into Tuesday, with tornado watches affecting over 22 million people across the south central Plains and Upper Midwest. The Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 2 of 4 threat for flash flooding in southeast Wisconsin and southern Michigan due to ongoing rainfall and melting snow exacerbating river flooding.
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Severe Storms and Flooding Threaten Midwest and Great Lakes

Severe Storms and Flooding Threaten Midwest and Great Lakes

A series of severe storms has been impacting the Midwest and Great Lakes regions, with tornadoes and large hail causing significant damage. According to CNN, softball-sized hail was reported near Maple Bluff, Wisconsin, capable of causing serious injuries and property damage. More than a dozen tornadoes were reported across Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, including a damaging EF2 tornado in Miami County, Kansas. Flooding is also a major concern, particularly in the Great Lakes area, where rivers are running high due to heavy rainfall and snowmelt. The storm system is expected to continue through the week, with severe weather risks extending from northern Texas to Central Pennsylvania.