Farmers are beginning to test-cut some

winter wheat fields in southern Kansas with harvest likely to start

within days.

Steve Inslee, general manager of the OK Coop Grain Co. in Kiowa,

said Monday that early test-cuttings show the wheat is still not

dry enough to harvest. Still, he expects farmers in that area to be

cutting in earnest by Wednesday.

The Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that

14 percent of the wheat in south-central Kansas and 19 percent in

the southeast has matured. The rate is 5 percent statewide.

But the wheat’s condition is declining.

The agency says 22 percent of the crop is now rated in poor to

very poor condition. About 35 percent is in fair shape, with 36

percent rated good and 7 percent rated excellent.