Unprecedented: Persistent drought heightens concerns for Kansas wheat farmers

SEDGWICK COUNTY, Kan. (KWCH) – With a drought persisting throughout Kansas, farmers say the winter wheat crop might be in jeopardy if moisture ranges don’t enhance. Final weekend’s bout of rain was well-received, however the general lack of moisture remains to be substantial.

On Kent Winter’s farm close to Andale in Sedgwick County, winter wheat is making an attempt to germinate, however the lack of rainfall is working in opposition to it. Winter has farmed for almost 4 many years. He’s been by dry summers and quick fall harvests resulting from drought, however he stated this 12 months is unprecedented.

“This was the primary fall the place I didn’t have satisfactory soil moisture to get wheat up, germinated and out of the bottom,” he stated.

Planting for winter wheat occurred in October, timed round helpful moisture. However planting later than traditional means completely different outcomes.

“The wheat is up, however it’s quick and small. It’s not as far alongside as what we’d prefer to see this time of 12 months,” Winter stated.

A lot of Kansas stays in “extreme” to even “distinctive” drought. A big swatch of southern counties are within the “distinctive” stage with Sedgwick County barely higher off within the “excessive” stage.

The newest rounds of rain did assist to replenish a few of what was depleted, Winter stated.

“We do have satisfactory topsoil moisture to get us going for awhile,” he stated. “It’s on no account we’re out of the woods but by way of the drought, however at the very least we have now one thing.”

Farmers hope for extra rain or snow in upcoming months and hotter climate within the quick time period to assist the planted wheat get a powerful begin going into subsequent 12 months.

“It takes an extended technique of moisture to regularly work our manner out of this,” Winter stated. “We’re hopeful that we’ll get to that time later within the winter or this spring.”

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