Drought continues to impact Kansas wheat fields, more rain needed

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Drought issues proceed for Kansas farmers, and there’s an instantaneous want for precipitation.

Alan Patterson lives in Anthony. He says the current rain has brought on his wheat crop to perk up, however having gone almost eight months with out rain, nonetheless creates points for the wheat crops forward of June’s harvest.

“You recognize it’s gotta rain. We’re in an space the place we usually obtain 20 to 24 inches of annual precip. And sadly, we’re in all probability setting, you already know, someplace round a 3rd of regular rainfall,” stated Patterson.

If you happen to head about 20 minutes north of the Kansas-Oklahoma border, the wheat area circumstances enhance, however the farmers on this space are nonetheless involved.

“We in all probability misplaced 30 to 40 p.c of our yield potential right here, and with the heatwave we’re having this week, that might take extra off, it might shut down a number of the grain fill within the heads,” stated Francis Drouhard, a farmer in Danville.

Jeff Vornauf additionally farms in Harper County. He says the worth of wheat is true, however he could be quick 30 to 40 bushels to promote.

“If you owe the banks cash you already know, it’s regarding,” he stated.

With a view to have the highest quality of wheat, farmers throughout the state want extra rain quickly.

“We’re going to want one other shot of rain on the finish of this week hopefully. Appears like we received some probabilities in order that would definitely assist,” stated Drouhard.

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