Kansas Crop Forecast Dismal

The latest government forecast of the size of the Kansas fall harvest paints an even more dismal picture than last month’s estimate.

Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service is now projecting corn production in the state at 451.5 million bushels, or 22 percent smaller than last year’s crop.

The outlook also predicts a more modest fall harvest of the other major crops in the state.

Soybean production was forecast 102.6 million bushels, down 26 percent from last year.

Sorghum grain crops are expected to bring in 129.3 million bushels, down 24 percent from a year ago.

Sunflower harvest was forecast at 160.8 million pounds, down 14 percent from last year.

Forecast alfalfa hay production of 1.95 million tons is down 21 percent, making it the smallest alfalfa crop in Kansas since 1956.