Kansas wheat harvest behind schedule – themercury.com

Kansas Wheat Harvest Report: Progress and Challenges

Harvest Progress Overview

The Kansas wheat harvest is currently only 20% complete, significantly behind last year’s 49% and the 31% average for this time of year, according to the latest Kansas Wheat Harvest Report. This report is a collaborative effort by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association, and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Crop Condition and Yield Data

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) crop progress report rates winter wheat conditions as follows:

• 23% poor to very poor
• 32% fair
• 45% good to excellent

Sarah Dodge from Farmers Cooperative Equity Co. in Barber County noted that the first wheat load was received on June 10 at their Medicine Lodge location. As of June 22, approximately 1.1 million bushels have been brought in company-wide. Yield estimates range between 45 to 60 bushels per acre. Overall harvest progress is about halfway complete, with some locations nearing 70% completion due to avoiding recent rains.

Impact of Weather and Disease on Harvest

Dodge highlighted that extra moisture and storm timing have negatively affected test weights, though there is optimism that later loads will improve the overall average.

At Olson Farms near Gypsum in Saline County, harvest began on June 12. Bryant Olson reported an average yield near 50 bushels per acre, an improvement compared to last year. However, disease pressure and weather challenges remain significant in central Kansas.

1. Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus (WSMV): This virus has severely impacted potential yields, reducing output by over half in affected areas. Saline and Dickinson counties have been identified as hotspots for WSMV this year.
2. Weather Interruptions: Rainfall has delayed harvest progress, complicating timely crop collection.

Varietal Performance and Resilience

Despite these challenges, certain wheat varieties have demonstrated resilience and promise during this harvest season:

• KS Mako: Exhibited strong resistance to wheat streak mosaic virus.
• KS Providence: Also showed favorable performance under current conditions.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The efforts to monitor and improve wheat yields directly contribute to SDG 2 by aiming to increase agricultural productivity and ensure food security. Addressing disease pressures and optimizing harvest timing are critical to sustaining wheat production in Kansas.

SDG 13: Climate Action

Managing the impacts of weather variability and extreme events, such as storms and rainfall, aligns with SDG 13. Farmers and cooperatives are adapting practices to mitigate climate-related risks affecting crop yields.

SDG 15: Life on Land

Combating crop diseases like wheat streak mosaic virus supports SDG 15 by promoting sustainable land use and protecting agricultural ecosystems from degradation.

Summary of Sustainable Practices and Recommendations

1. Implement disease-resistant wheat varieties such as KS Mako to reduce crop losses.
2. Enhance monitoring and early detection systems for crop diseases to minimize spread.
3. Adopt adaptive farming practices to mitigate adverse weather impacts.
4. Strengthen collaboration among agricultural organizations to support sustainable wheat production.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger – The article discusses wheat harvest progress, crop yields, and challenges affecting food production, directly relating to ensuring food security and promoting sustainable agriculture.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – Weather conditions, such as storms and moisture levels, impact the wheat harvest, highlighting the effects of climate variability and the need for adaptive agricultural practices.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land – The mention of disease pressure (wheat streak mosaic virus) relates to managing plant health and sustainable land use to maintain productive ecosystems.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • Target 2.3: By 2030, double the agricultural productivity and incomes of small-scale food producers, including through secure and equal access to land, technology, and markets.
   • Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • Target 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services.
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats, halt the loss of biodiversity, and protect threatened species.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Crop Yield Metrics – Bushels per acre (e.g., 45 to 60 bushels per acre, 50 bushels per acre) are quantitative indicators of agricultural productivity and can measure progress towards Target 2.3 and 2.4.
2. Harvest Completion Percentage – Percentage of wheat harvest completed (e.g., 20%, 49%, 31%, 70%) indicates the pace and success of food production cycles.
3. Crop Condition Ratings – USDA ratings of winter wheat conditions (23% poor to very poor, 32% fair, 45% good to excellent) serve as indicators of crop health and resilience.
4. Disease Incidence – Presence and impact of wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) and affected areas (Saline and Dickinson counties) imply indicators related to plant health and ecosystem management under SDG 15 targets.
5. Weather Impact – Effects of moisture and storms on test weights and harvest progress imply indicators related to climate resilience (SDG 13).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: themercury.com