2025 Wheat Crop Exceeded Expectations in Some Areas of the Great Plains

The marketing manager for WestBred says the 2025 winter wheat crop exceeded expectations in some areas of the western U.S.

Carrie Roach states that, “The highest yield was 238 bushels per acre. The national average yield for wheat in general in the United States is around 54 bushels per acre, so farmers are using their management strategies and maybe trying something new to really push those yields.”

She says planting conditions have been mostly favorable in parts of Kansas and Nebraska for the 2026 crop, but “There’s been some areas that can’t seem to catch a break and get dry ground in order to even put the crop in. From what we’re seeing, they’re working on getting the crop in and we’re excited to see how that winter season will shape up.”

The USDA says 97 percent of U.S. winter wheat is planted, in line with the average, with 87 percent emerged. Forty-eight percent of the crop is rated good to excellent, 7 percent below a year ago.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Wheat production in the U.S. has declined in recent years. That said, in some of the traditional wheat growing areas, producers are doing their part to boost individual yields and provide above average returns. Globally, wheat production has been severely impacted by geopolitical events far beyond the control of farmers, which can create greater opportunities for U.S. producers.

Engage with wheat producers in your area. Ask them what kind of yield averages they experienced this past year. Keep them on your customer prospect list. And be sure to talk up AgPack® with potential savings of nearly $50,000.