Kansas Agland reports that many farmers have been pleasantly surprised by this year’s wheat crop—especially considering that this year’s crop was subjected to just about every threat imaginable.
The crop had little chance from the beginning, given last fall’s extreme drought conditions. Then, last November, temperatures dropped into the teens, sending many crops into early dormancy before they had developed sufficient roots. Winter brought a roller coaster of highs and lows, with continuing drought conditions. Then came the rain. Thunderstorms stayed over some areas for days or even weeks. The storms brought hail and disease, including stripe rust, leaf rust and scab.
But despite all the troubles, the combines began to roll, and they brought in more wheat than previous years for many farmers.