Heat and Drought Take Toll on Kansas Crops

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – The triple-digit temperatures and lack of

rain in Kansas this past week came at a critical time in row crop

development.

Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service on Monday reported

declines in the condition of the state’s major spring-planted

crops.

Among the hardest hit is the Kansas corn crop with 43 percent of

it now rated in poor to very poor condition and just 18 percent in

good and 1 percent in excellent condition.

Other crops also are struggling with 12 percent of the state

considered to have adequate topsoil moisture.

About 33 percent of soybeans and 37 percent of sorghum crops

were rated in poor to very poor condition.

Meanwhile, stock water supplies also are drying up with 51

percent reported short to very short.