After weeks of rain delays and muddy field conditions, wheat harvest is finally gaining momentum across Southeast Kansas. Local farmer Cooper Baugher said combines started rolling about one to two weeks ago in the Altamont-to-Parsons area. Since then, growers have been working long hours, trying to stay one step ahead of the next round of storms. Baugher called the opportunity to finally get into the fields and begin harvest "a blessing from the Lord" after an especially challenging start to the season.

 

Baugher says his family planted around 1,400 acres of wheat this year, and this season’s crop has been a tale of two fields. One field that took about 20 percent hail damage yielded around 67 to 68 bushels per acre, while a field just across the road with only about 13 percent hail damage came in closer to 90 to 95 bushels per acre.

Despite the ups and downs, test weights across the area have stayed fairly consistent, generally running between 53 and 56 pounds per bushel.

 

While the wheat crop has kept farmers guessing, Baugher says there's plenty to smile about when it comes to corn. The crop is looking as good as he can remember, with the recent moisture giving it a strong start. 

 

Of course, after all the rain that's slowed wheat harvest, farmers wouldn't mind if Mother Nature turned the faucet off for a little while. For now, Baugher is hopeful the corn keeps thriving and that the weather cooperates long enough to finish wheat harvest without needing a boat to get to the combine.

 

All in all, it's been a season of patience, quick decisions, and watching the sky more than anything else!

 

Photo credit: Cooper Baugher