Drought Tests Kansas Wheat Genetics

Wheat's On Your Mind

Kansas wheat producers are heading into harvest with drought, freeze injury, possible abandonment, and seed supply questions all on the table. In this episode of Wheat’s On Your Mind, Aaron Harries talks with Justin Gilpin, CEO of Kansas Wheat, and Bryson Haverkamp, CEO of the Kansas Wheat Alliance, about what they are hearing from the field, how newer wheat varieties are holding up, and why growers should start seed conversations earlier than usual.  The discussion also covers wheat streak mosaic virus, the Wheat Quality Council’s Hard Winter Wheat Tour, K-State wheat field days, experimental varieties in the pipeline, and the importance of the next K-State wheat breeder. For producers, the practical message is clear: scout carefully, pay attention to variety performance under stress, talk with seed dealers now, and stay plugged into research and Extension updates before fall planting. Key takeaways: Drought and late freeze injury are pressuring hard red winter wheat across Kansas and the broader Southern Plains. Seed supply could tighten in some areas, so producers should contact local seed dealers and certified seed producers early. Newer varieties including Providence, Bill Snyder, Territory, KS Homestead CL+, KS Tradition and KS Flintlock are worth watching in stressed fields. Wheat streak mosaic virus may not be the main yield story this year, but it remains a major long-term threat. K-State field days and the Wheat Quality Council tour give producers a chance to compare varieties and understand regional crop risk before harvest. Timestamped rundown 00:00–00:35 — Opening and setup 00:35–02:26 — A difficult crop year takes shape 02:26–04:06 — Variety performance under stress 04:06–05:44 — Wheat streak is still a major threat 05:44–07:24 — Seed supply and fall planning 07:24–09:19 — Wheat Tour expectations 09:19–12:39 — Why the Wheat Tour matters 12:39–14:14 — Field days and Extension resources 14:14–15:50 — New experimental lines to watch 15:50–16:52 — Breeding progress in a tough year 16:52–20:56 — The next K-State wheat breeder 20:56–22:05 — Breeders as the face of wheat 22:05–23:23 — Final message to farmers 23:23–23:53 — Closing Kansas Wheat WheatsOnYorMind.com