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Wheat grower says timely rains have improved crop

A Central Kansas farmer says some timely rains have helped improve wheat.

Paul Penner, of Marion County, tells Brownfield…

“The wheat that wasn’t up, it’s now coming up. We’re kind of pleased with that. It looks like the stand is going to be filling in nicely and at least it will be ready for winter.”

Penner received about two inches of rain last week.

He says wheat was planted in early to mid-October, despite less than favorable soil moisture levels.

“Usually, if you don’t get it in by that time, then when the rains come, like it did this time, then it’s too late to try to go in and make up for lost time.”

Penner says there is some variability throughout the region depending on moisture and crop rotations.

According to the USDA’s most recent crop conditions report on Nov. 12, winter wheat in Kansas is rated 47 percent adequate to surplus, 97 percent planted, and 84 percent emerged.