Kansas wheat harvest progresses through central counties
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Wheat harvest is in full swing across much of southern and central Kansas, with farmers working around recent weather challenges and disease pressure that has affected yields in some areas.
The Kansas wheat harvest is 20 percent complete statewide, well behind the 49 percent completed last year and the 31 percent average for this time of year, according to the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending June 22.
Central Kansas counties, including the Reno County area around Hutchinson, fall within the harvest zone currently experiencing mixed conditions. Wheat streak mosaic virus continues to challenge growers in parts of the state, impacting yields and test weights.
After rains and humidity slowed harvest progress, farmers are getting back into fields but having to dodge muddy areas. Recent storms have affected timing and field conditions across the region.
In nearby Saline County, which shares similar growing conditions with Reno County, Olson Farms near Gypsum began harvest June 12 with an overall farm average hovering near 50 bushels per acre this year, an improvement from last year. Test weights have consistently measured at or above 60 pounds per bushel with protein levels around 12 percent.
Disease pressure and weather have presented challenges in central Kansas, with wheat streak mosaic virus taking over half of what some wheat could have potentially produced. Saline and Dickinson counties have been hot spots for the disease this year.
Winter wheat conditions statewide were rated 23 percent poor to very poor, 32 percent fair and 45 percent good to excellent.
The harvest typically begins in early to mid-June in south-central Kansas and moves north and west through mid-July. Weather conditions in the coming weeks will be critical for farmers completing harvest in central Kansas counties.
The Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and Kansas Cooperative Council are providing regular harvest updates throughout the season.
SUBSCRIBE ONLINE TO GET THE HUTCHINSON CITIZEN JOURNAL IN YOUR INBOX - FREE!
Sponsors (click me!)
