Wheat Harvest Could Start In May

Some farmers in north-central Kansas say they are preparing to begin wheat harvesting weeks earlier than normal.

The wheat crop is sprouting early because of a mild winter and spring.

Wheat harvests generally begin in Kansas around mid-June. But The Salina Jounal reports some are predicting that combines could roll into Saline County this year during the last week of May, or no later than the first week of June.

The harvest has already begun in Oklahoma and Texas.

Pam Shmidl is operations manager for the U.S. Custom Harvesters Association, based in Hutchinson.

She says the fast-ripening wheat has caused many of the associations’ members to begin their work early this year.

Agriculture experts are predicting a bountiful crop this year, if the weather cooperates.