News

Kansas winter wheat rating declines

Soil moisture levels improved slightly in Kansas during February, but the hard red winter wheat crop remains in dismal shape.

The USDA says just 19% of Kansas’ crop is in good to excellent condition, 2% less than last month, with 51% rated poor to very poor, 4% more than at the end of January.

While there were several snow and rain events during the month, which did boosted soil moisture levels a little, that precipitation missed some of the drier areas.

That’s expected to lower yield prospects when the crop emerges from dormancy and could leading to an increased rate of abandonment.

The USDA’s weekly crop progress and condition reports resume in April.