Drought conditions make harvesting tough for Kansas farmers

“Probably the most regarding factor is that there are simply not many pods up and down this plant,” says farmer Brian Wetta. 

The summer time warmth and drought taking heavy tolls on crops throughout the state. Wetta says he already has harvested his corn, about three weeks sooner than standard. “Our corn 12 months yields had been about half of an excellent crop.” He is holding out on the Soybeans, saying the drought has been so unhealthy, he expects to get about one fourth of the standard yield, and that is provided that they get some much-needed rain within the subsequent few weeks”

“A great two, three, four-inch rain would do wonders on these soybeans. Nonetheless, I believe there’s nonetheless some yield potential out right here, presumably however to bust the drought, I believe it’ll take greater than that.”

The drought isn’t simply impacting the present crops within the floor. This fall’s wheat planting could possibly be in jeopardy if the dry climate retains up.

Jeff Seiler, an agriculture extension agent with Kansas State’s extension workplace in Sedgwick County says “if we needed to plant at the moment, we positively haven’t got excellent soil moisture for that. Fortunately, we’re we cannot begin planting wheat till that first second week of October.”

Wetta says the dry summer time will make it more durable to plan out crops for subsequent 12 months since most farmers is not going to be getting practically the income from their fall crops. Most have needed to flip their corn or soybeans into cattle feed.

“Revenue on the farm is tight on loads of years the margins are tight. So, it can make it a little bit bit more difficult as we begin making ready for subsequent 12 months.”