Kansas Wheat Farmers and Federal Assistance

Kansas produces more wheat than any other US state, with winter wheat planted across the central and western portions of the state each fall. Wheat's economics — relatively low market prices, high input costs, and exposure to late-spring freeze damage — have historically made it one of the most consistently supported commodities under the farm bill.

PLC and wheat

The PLC reference price for wheat is $5.50/bushel. In years when the national marketing year average price falls below that threshold, Kansas wheat farmers receive PLC payments on their base acres. Given wheat price volatility over the past decade, there have been several years with substantial PLC payments to Kansas producers.

CRP enrollment

Kansas has significant Conservation Reserve Program enrollment, particularly in the western counties where wind erosion risk is high and dryland wheat yields are marginal. Some years, a quarter or more of the state's total USDA payments are CRP rental payments rather than commodity program payments.

Disaster program exposure

Kansas winter wheat is vulnerable to winterkill, late-season freeze (a particular risk for wheat heading in April), and drought. The Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) and emergency programs can generate additional payments in bad years, on top of the core commodity programs.

Exploring Kansas data

Use Kansas's state page to see county-level payment breakdowns and program compositions. The southwest Kansas counties — Finney, Grant, Seward, Kearny — often appear among the highest total payment counties due to both large irrigated acreage and significant wheat base.