The Kansas wheat harvest is expected to produce the state’s smallest production since 1996.

The Wheat Quality Council wheat tour wrapped up today. Crop scouts estimated production for the Kansas crop at 260.6 million bushels. The average yield, calculated from 587 stops, was 33.2 bushels per acre.

"Moisture in the next 30 days is critical and important to more than just the wheat crop, extending into planting decisions for the rest of the spring," said Rich Randall, Kansas Wheat commissioner who farms in Scott City.

The crop is several weeks behind normal. Monday’s Crop Report from Kansas Ag Statistics indicated that just 4% of the crop has headed out, compared to 1% last year and 17 average.

Winter wheat condition rated 13 percent very poor, 24 poor, 42 fair, 20 good, and 1 excellent.