Wheat Harvest In Full Swing, Dismall In The Southwest

The Kansas winter wheat harvest is finally spreading across the state after an unusually late start.

Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service estimates at least 8 percent of the wheat in the state has been harvested. The trade group Kansas Wheat said harvest activity has moved as far north as Hays and as far west as Scott City.

In central Kansas, Randy Fritzemeier began cutting the thick stands of winter wheat at his Stafford farm last Friday. He says he’s getting 50 to 60 bushels an acre. Most years he brings in 40 bushels an acre.

But in drought-stricken southwest Kansas, farmer Gary Millershaski has already abandoned 360 acres. He says he will be lucky to get 15 to 20 bushels an acre on what remains.