WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – Another day of rain for Kansas. This has Kansas farmers excited about the potential for their newly planted hard winter wheat.
KSN’s Derek Lytle spoke to KSN’s AG Expert, John Jenkinson, and several farmers about their cautious optimism.
Jenkinson said these recent rains could mean farmers cashing in next summer. He said this is careful confidence because a lot more still needs to happen to guarantee a successful harvest.
Nearly seven inches of rain in Mulvane in the past seven days.
“Yes, this is amazing, this is wonderful,” said Mulvane Farmer Kent Ott.
Ott said he has farmed wheat, corn, and soybeans there since the 1980s. Planting his hard winter wheat recently, he said, the timing of this rainfall is fantastic.
“It’s just right below the soil surface, the moisture, it’s coming fast, so it’s going to respond fast to this rain, and we’ll have good emergence,” said Ott.
Drenched fields could mean cashing in for Kansas agriculture.
“It’s a million-dollar rain, and a lot of farmers could not be more happy to see this,” said KSN AG Expert John Jenkinson.
Jenkinson said the rainfall seen now is ideal for multiple reasons.
“This could not be more perfect right now, to be able to give the wheat a drink for winter, to last it to spring, number two, give it a little bit of healthy growth before we completely shut down for winter,” said Jenkinson.
Mulvane farmers saw almost seven inches of rain in seven days. However, farmers in the Western region said they were left wanting more and not receiving the same result.
That wish came today from Ron Suppes of Suppes Farms. His family has farmed between Scott City and Dighton for more than 70 years. He said the lack of rainfall had left them on edge, but today’s rain changed negative attitudes in Western Kansas, hoping this winter’s crop would be successful.
“This is surface-type stuff that helps us get into the winter in better shape and get us into the spring with more moisture. This is a Godsend,” said Suppes.
Suppes said about 90 percent of their winter wheat has now emerged.
Farmers in both areas said that over the last couple of years, it has become even harder to stay afloat due to drought conditions, but they will continue to welcome the rain, hoping to turn profits around.