|
Kansas Winter
Wheat Crop Benefits Greatly From Recent Winter Storm System
Milling
Journal recently conducted an interview with Kansas Wheat, a grower-funded
organization dedicated to the promotion of the Kansas wheat crop. The
interview was conducted through Marsha Boswell, public relations specialist
for Kansas Wheat, Manhattan, KS (866-75WHEAT).
Manhattan, KS--Dry weather in the fall got the Kansas wheat crop off to a slow start, but the recent band of precipitation that moved through the Midwest has improved growing conditions significantly.
Milling Journal (MJ): What is the current status of the Kansas winter wheat crop?
Kansas Wheat (KW): The current status of the Kansas winter wheat crop is good.
We saw only a slight increase in acreage this fall, but not a significant increase due to relatively high prices of other commodities as well as wheat.
The crop was planted slightly later than last year.
Dry weather this fall hindered emergence and establishment, but the precipitation over the past week has improved topsoil moisture and the status of the crop.
MJ: How did the recent snow/ice storm help crop conditions?
KW: The moisture was highly beneficial for the Kansas winter wheat crop.
Ice accumulations on Dec. 11 were followed by snow on Dec. 15 and 16.
The blanket of snow and ice insulated the winter wheat during low temperature and imporved topsoil moisture as it melted.
MJ: What was the situation like prior to the weather system?
KW: Dry fall weather hindered winter wheat emergence and establishment.
Prior to the ice and snow of last week, the Kansas winter wheat crop was relatively dry.
On Nov. 26, the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service reported that Kansas wheat was rated 2% very poor; 13% poor; 42% fair; 40% good, and 3% excellent.
MJ: What are the preliminary predictions for the winter wheat crop?
KW: It is difficult to make predictions for the crop because weather will have a huge effect for the next six months.
The current status is good, and if the weather cooperates, Kansas should produce an average to above-average crop.
Last year's crop was devastated by several weeks of above-average temperatures followed by a freeze in early April.
Before and during harvest, excessive rainfall caused further deterioration.
These types of weather-related disasters cannot be predicted.
MJ: How have wheat growers responded to the record prices?
KW: Many wheat growers in the state of Kansas have already sold their 2007 wheat.
Most producers have little, if any, wheat left to sell at current record prices.
However, most producers grow other crops as well and were able to sell corn, soybeans, and sorghum at higher-than-average prices.
These high prices help to offset the current high prices of farm inputs and energy.
These Kansas producers have been able to pay down some of the debt that they have been carrying for the last several years of low prices.
They are also able to invest in new or improved machinery to replace dilapidated machinery that they have been repairing year after year.
Prices for 2008 wheat are also high, so many producers are looking at ways to minimize risk by locking in a price for part of next year's crop.
[Kansas
Wheat Web site]
|