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Central Kansas farmer says harvest nearing the finish line

Corn and soybean harvest is nearly complete in Kansas.

Central Kansas farmer Rick Schlender tells Brownfield…

“Corn is pretty well done. Even the double crop beans, there may be a few out there that are left to cut, but very little. Milo is mostly done. I would say we probably still have 20% milo out there left to harvest,” he says.

According to the USDA’s latest crop progress report, 93% of corn in Kansas is harvested, up 4% from a week ago and 3% ahead of the five-year average. Ninety-three percent of soybeans are harvested, up 9% from a week ago and 13% better than the five-year average.

Heavy rains fell over the weekend and Schlender says it’s been a blessing and a curse.

“I guess there is some concern because some of the wheat went in a little bit late. It was spotty, didn’t come up and now it’s got water standing on areas. Otherwise, it’s been a real blessing for the week to enhance the stand here this fall,” he says.

The rains will delay Schlender from spending much time harvesting this week.

According to USDA, 94% of winter wheat is planted, up 7% from a week ago, with 76% emerged up 13% from a week ago and both ahead of the five-year average. The crop is rated 40% good to excellent, slightly improved from last week.

Sorghum is 81% harvested, up 14% from a week ago and 6% better than the five-year average.