Freeze Takes Toll on Western Kansas Wheat

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – A new report says warmer temperatures are needed before Kansas farmers can assess the freeze damage to their winter wheat crop.

Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that more than half the state’s wheat acres had no freeze damage. But the agency also says growers in the western third of Kansas are still evaluating the impact of freezing temperatures.

The weekly snapshot shows 43 percent of the winter wheat has now jointed. That’s well behind the 96 percent of a year ago and the late-April average of 63 percent.

Overall, the agency pegged the condition of this year’s wheat crop as 37 percent poor to very poor. It estimated that 33 percent was in fair shape, with 27 percent rated as good and 3 percent as excellent.