Kansas Wheat Fairing Poorly

The latest government snapshot shows the majority of the Kansas winter wheat crop is faring poorly.

The National Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that heat and high winds have caused further deterioration of the state’s wheat crop.

It rated 56 percent of the Kansas wheat in poor to very poor condition. About 31 percent was rated as fair, 12 percent good and 1 percent excellent.

About 46 percent of the wheat has now headed.

The agency says blowing and drifting dirt is a concern in southwest Kansas where fields are too dry and barren to hold topsoil against strong winds.

Corn planting is 72 percent finished in Kansas.

About 3 percent of the sorghum crop and 16 percent of the soybean crop have also been planted.