Wheat Crop Estimates Could Be Down

Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service will issue an updated estimate of the size of the state’s wheat crop.

The June crop production report, slated for release Wednesday, will offer the government’s latest estimate of Kansas wheat production.

The June update is closely watched because it will offer a clearer snapshot of the winter wheat crop coming just days before combines begin to roll across southern Kansas. The agency said Monday that 2 percent of the crop is now ready for harvest.

The agency estimated last month the nation will harvest a 20 percent smaller wheat crop this season in the wake of a drought in Texas and a late freeze in Oklahoma. The May estimate for Kansas was down 4 percent from a year ago.