Kansas wheat harvest behind schedule – themercury.com

Kansas Wheat Harvest Progress Report

Current Harvest Status

The wheat harvest in Kansas is currently 20% complete, significantly behind last year’s 49% and the 31% average for this time, according to the latest Kansas Wheat Harvest Report. This delay highlights challenges in agricultural productivity, directly impacting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger, by affecting food production and supply.

Report Contributors

• Kansas Wheat Commission
• Kansas Association of Wheat Growers
• Kansas Grain and Feed Association
• Kansas Cooperative Council

Crop Condition and Yield Data

The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service rated winter wheat conditions as follows:

1. 23% poor to very poor
2. 32% fair
3. 45% good to excellent

These figures underscore the need for sustainable agricultural practices aligned with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, to improve crop resilience and quality.

Harvest Insights from Farmers Cooperative Equity Co.

Sarah Dodge from Farmers Cooperative Equity Co. in Barber County reported the following:

• First wheat load received on June 10 at Medicine Lodge location.
• Approximately 1.1 million bushels collected company-wide as of June 22.
• Yield ranges between 45 to 60 bushels per acre.
• Harvest progress is about 50% overall, with some locations nearing 70% after avoiding recent rains.

Dodge noted that extra moisture and storm timing have reduced test weights, but there is optimism that later harvest loads will improve overall averages. This situation highlights the importance of climate resilience in agriculture, supporting SDG 13: Climate Action.

Olson Farms Harvest Report

Bryant Olson of Olson Farms near Gypsum, Saline County, provided the following updates:

• Harvest began on June 12.
• Farm average yield is near 50 bushels per acre, an improvement from the previous year.
• Challenges included disease pressure and weather disruptions.

Challenges Faced

Key challenges impacting the harvest include:

• Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), which affected over half of the potential yield.
• Rainfall causing delays in harvest progress.

Saline and Dickinson counties have been identified as hotspots for WSMV this year. Addressing plant diseases is critical to achieving SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, by ensuring food safety and security.

Promising Wheat Varieties

Despite challenges, certain wheat varieties have demonstrated resilience:

• KS Mako: Exhibited strong resistance to wheat streak mosaic virus.
• KS Providence: Also showed promising results during this harvest.

These findings support the advancement of sustainable agricultural innovation, contributing to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 2: Zero Hunger
   • The article discusses wheat harvest progress, crop yields, and challenges such as disease and weather, which are directly related to food production and agricultural sustainability.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • The impact of weather conditions and storms on the wheat harvest highlights the relevance of climate-related challenges affecting agriculture.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land
   • The mention of disease pressure such as wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV) relates to the health of terrestrial ecosystems and sustainable land management.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

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. SDG 2 Indicators
   • Crop yield per hectare (e.g., bushels per acre reported in the article: 45 to 60 bushels per acre).
   • Harvest progress percentage (e.g., 20% complete vs. previous years).
   • Crop condition ratings (e.g., USDA ratings of wheat condition: poor to very poor, fair, good to excellent).
2. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Impact of weather events on agricultural productivity (e.g., harvest delays due to rain and storms).
   • Frequency and severity of climate-related disruptions to farming activities.
3. SDG 15 Indicators
   • Incidence and spread of crop diseases such as wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV).
   • Effectiveness of disease-resistant crop varieties (e.g., KS Mako variety showing resistance).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: themercury.com