GARDEN CITY, Kan. (AP) – Crop losses linked to severe drought

conditions are expected to take a toll on the economy in southwest

Kansas.

The Garden City Telegram reported that the Garden City Co-Op is

estimating taking about 35 to 40 percent less grain than usual.

Crop insurance will soften the hit. But Garden City Co-Op CEO

John McClelland still predicts that businesses that sell trucks,

trailers and combines will take a hit.

McClelland says off years are part of the industry.

He noted that southwest Kansas is coming off of three or four

excellent years, with record-setting harvests.