(AP) – Several days of rain have been a mixed blessing for Kansas farmers and ranchers.
Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service said Monday the past week’s rain halted early corn planting in eastern sections. Corn planting is only 5 percent complete statewide, far behind the late-April average of 20 percent.
But the agency also reports the much-needed moisture is helping replenish farm ponds and soil moisture.
In its weekly update, the agency said supplies of topsoil moisture are running short to very short in about 38 percent of Kansas, down from 40 percent one week ago. It will take longer to replenish subsoil moisture, now rated 68 percent short in Kansas.
The condition of Kansas rangelands and pastures is still rated poor to very poor across 68 percent of the state