The Kansas Department Of Agriculture says the state’s prolonged drought is costing an estimated $1.7 billion in major crop losses.
The agency said Wednesday it based the estimates on a comparison of current production forecasts and average historic production. Nearly three-fourths of the state remains abnormally to exceptionally dry.
It pegged wheat losses at 36.4 million bushels worth $285.8 million. Corn losses were far steeper, with production short by 137.9 million bushels worth $965.7 million.
The sorghum crop is projected to be short by 31.3 million bushels, representing losses of $213.7 million.
Soybean production in Kansas was down 22.7 million bushels for a loss estimated at $309.8 million.