By SALINA POST
Wheat harvest has begun in Saline County.
A number of fields in the southern part of the county have been cut. Additionally, some farmers have done test cutting. With the recent hot and dry conditions, more wheat should be cut soon in Saline County.
The wheat in our area is variable, according to Jay Wisbey, Extension Crop Production Agent – Central KS District (Saline and Ottawa Counties).
"The differences are in part due to dry conditions last October that delayed the emergence of many acres. This spring, some bottom fields died prematurely with waterlogged conditions, a result of the heavy rainfall events," he told Salina Post.
Wisbey also noted that there were some issues with disease, "including more instances of wheat streak mosaic than I am accustomed to seeing."
"Despite all those negatives, I am optimistic about many acres that avoided the other pitfalls. Weather conditions during the later part of the growing season were favorable, and hopefully, that will show up positively in yields," he said.
Harvest safety on the roadways
The Kansas Highway Patrol Troop C Facebook page offers the following harvest safety tips for drivers.
●Don’t assume a farmer knows you’re there
●Pass with extreme caution
●Be patient
●Watch for slow moving vehicles
●When farm vehicle pulls to the right, it doesn’t mean it’s turning right or allowing you to pass