Consistent rain the past few months has dramatically eased the drought in southern and western Kansas
Less than one-half of 1 percent of Kansas, a small part of the southwest corner, remains in extreme drought, compared to more than 28 percent of the state in late September.
Combined with warmer-than-normal temperatures this spring, the winter wheat crop is at least two weeks ahead of normal in Ellis County. KSU Agriculture Extension Agent Stacy Campbell has seen what could become 70-bushel wheat.
But Mother Nature may still have the final say. According to the the official weather records kept at the Hays KSU Agricultural Research Center, on April 30 there is still a 50% chance of an overnight freeze.
With the weather reverting to cooler average temperatures and the possibility of more rain, Campbell also warns farmers about the possibility of leaf rust and stripe rust development in the wheat.
There’s more tonight on Street Beat Eagle Community TV Channel 14.