Farmers in the nation’s heartland are dealing with a severe drought that has the potential to lead to the smallest wheat crop since the 1960s, according to estimates from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Farmers in the nation’s heartland are dealing with a severe drought that has the potential to lead to the smallest wheat crop since the 1960s,Through NASA modeling and measurements, an estimated two-thirds of Kansas’ wheat crop has faced extreme or exceptionalThe state is the largest producer of winter wheat and, according to the USDA, produces about 332 million bushels a year.
"When the wheat came out of winter dormancy, it did not look very good," said Lisa Schemm, a wheat farmer in Sharon Springs,. "We did end up with some rains in late April and May, which was great for our wheat crop, but if you went 30 miles south, it was too late." Despite the adverse weather, Schemm said the crops’ quality is exceptional this year despite relatively low quantities."When we get short on moisture, what happens is it puts all of its energy into the reproductive parts of the plant. So, in essence, the wheat flower will end up with higher protein," Schemm stated.
"Mid-June dryness and drought can lead to a widespread drought like in 2012, resulting in large yield losses,"
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