Wheat harvest continues across the area, with warmer temperatures and drier weather a good sign going forward.

 

According to the Kansas Wheat Commission, harvest was off to a rapid start in southwest Kansas yesterday with temperatures topping out around 100 degrees. There will be more information available on how yields and quality will compare to average by the beginning of next week when reports start to come in.

 

In central Kansas, harvest came to a halt after Tuesday’s rainfall but will pick back up by the weekend with high winds and nearly triple-digit temperatures in the forecast. Farmers report challenges due to heavy rain and high winds. Derek Sawyer who farms in McPherson County estimates they've lost 25% of the yield potential. Some fields are in standing water and may not be able to be harvested. Rain has also caused some substantial harvest delays.

 

After the rains in Rice and Ellsworth counties, test weights have decreased slightly but are still around average.