Kansas Sorghum Yield & Precision Agriculture Data 2026
Kansas Sorghum yield is forecast at 65.0 bu/acre for 2026 (USDA Oct forecast) — about 9.3 bu/ac above the US average of 55.7 bu/ac. State-level estimates, sourced directly from USDA NASS.
Sorghum yield trend
Kansas vs the US average, 2020–2026 (7 years of USDA NASS data)
| Year | Kansas (bu/ac) | US average (bu/ac) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 85 | 73.2 |
| 2021 | 78 | 69 |
| 2022 | 39 | 41.1 |
| 2023 | 52 | 52 |
| 2024 | 65 | 61.3 |
| 2025 | 90 | 72.6 |
| 2026 | 65 | 55.7 |
How Kansas compares
Top Sorghum-producing states, 2026 yield
| State | Yield (bu/ac) | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | 85 | +52.6% |
| South Dakota | 72 | +29.3% |
| Kansas | 65 | +16.7% |
| Texas | 47 | -15.6% |
| Oklahoma | 39 | -30% |
| Colorado | 32 | -42.5% |
What this data means for Kansas Sorghum farmers
Kansas sorghum yield is forecast at 65 bu/acre for 2026 in USDA's October forecast, down 25 bu/acre from the 2025 result of 90 bu/acre. It is still 9.3 bu/acre above the US average of 55.7 bu/acre. Across the seven seasons shown, yields ranged from 39 bu/acre in 2022 to 90 bu/acre in 2025, so the state swings widely from year to year. As a forecast, the 65 bu/acre figure can still be revised by USDA.
Sorghum is often grown where moisture is limited, so precision tools focus on putting inputs where they will pay. At the latest national price of $4.312/bu, protecting 5 bu/acre is worth about $22 per acre, or roughly $22,000 on 1,000 acres. Variable-rate seeding and zone-based fertility help avoid overspending on low-potential ground. Soil-moisture data can also help time planting and inputs around available water.
Precision ag platforms used by Kansas Sorghum farmers
Overview of major platforms — features and fit for different operation sizes. No sponsored content.
Precision ag ROI calculator
Estimate annual savings for your Kansas Sorghum farm based on acreage and current yield
Estimate the payback on variable-rate seeding, zone-based fertility, and overlap reduction for your farm.
Estimate only — based on industry-average implementation costs (variable-rate seeding $18/ac, zone-based fertility $22/ac, overlap reduction $9/ac; $12,000 fixed + $17/ac ongoing) and USDA yield benchmarks, not a quote.
Frequently asked questions — Kansas Sorghum
How does Kansas sorghum yield compare with the US average?
The October forecast of 65 bu/acre is 9.3 bu/acre above the US average of 55.7 bu/acre. Kansas yields have ranged from 39 to 90 bu/acre over seven seasons.
Why is the 2026 Kansas sorghum forecast lower than 2025?
USDA's forecast of 65 bu/acre is 25 bu/acre below the 2025 result of 90 bu/acre. The number is a forecast and can change before the final estimate is released.
Does precision agriculture pay for Kansas sorghum?
At $4.312/bu, each 5 bu/acre gained or protected is worth about $22 per acre. Variable-rate seeding and soil-moisture data help match inputs to the water available in each zone.
Which USDA programs can help Kansas sorghum growers?
EQIP offers about 75% of typical practice cost for most producers and about 90% for historically underserved producers. Practices such as nutrient management and residue and tillage management may qualify through the local NRCS Service Center.