HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) Recent rain in Kansas has been good for the state’s wheat crop, but agriculture officials say they’re still concerned that a late freeze could hurt the harvest.
The lack of rain in Kansas last year was rough on the state’s wheat crop. But this year, thanks to spring rains the crop has potential.
State Climatologist Mary Knapp told The Hutchinson News that since September, some southwestern Kansas farmers have recorded nearly 9 inches of rain on their thirsty fields well above the nearly 7-inch average for the period.
John Holman, an agronomist with Kansas State Extension based in Garden City, said the crop is so ahead of schedule it’s vulnerable to a Spring freeze.
He said the recent damp, wet days also make the wheat ripe for rust.