Farmers Test-Cutting Wheat in Southern Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Farmers are beginning to test-cut some winter wheat fields in southern Kansas with harvest likely to start within days. Steve Inslee, general manager of OK Co-op Grain in Kiowa, said Monday that early test-cuttings show the wheat is still not dry enough to harvest. Still, he expects farmers in that area to be cutting in earnest by Wednesday. The Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service reported Monday that 14 percent of the wheat in south-central Kansas and 19 percent in the southeast has matured. The rate is 5 percent statewide. But the wheat's condition is declining. The agency says 22 percent of the crop is now rated in poor to very poor condition. About 35 percent is in fair shape, with 36 percent rated good and 7 percent rated excellent.