29 Jun Christy: Uncertain grounds

Pratt, Kansas — As we have moved farther north in Kansas, wheat yields have dropped a little. The first couple of fields have averaged only about 20 to 25 bushels per acre, but we started a field yesterday that averaged closer to 50 bushels per acre. I’m hoping yields will continue to stay up.

Anthony, Kansas, has turned out well, anywhere between 35 and 50 bushels of wheat per acre. Lots of terraces were cut, and hauls were fairly close. Gary’s crew finished up, and they moved combines our way today and will get campers moved by Pratt tomorrow.

Patrick has been leading a crew through Kingfisher, Oklahoma, and has now moved by Perryton, Texas. I think his crew is wishing for some home-cooked meals, but they’ll survive until they meet back up with us in Tribune. He said wheat by Booker rounded out around 38 bushels per acre, and now by Perryton he’s only looking at about 17 bushels per acre. It’s really hit or miss with what the weather has dished out.

When we were in Kiowa, on the Oklahoma border, we saw awesome yields. It was still not as high as hoped with all the precipitation, but a great crop just the same. Moving north, and further to the west of Kansas, I don’t think we will continue to see the same. Rains haven’t hit the way hoped, and even here in Pratt the rains were looking fantastic in March, then dropped back off when they were really needed. There’s definitely a good crop here, and I hope that the weather will straighten out a little to get yields where farmers would like them.

Weather conditions haven’t been too bad. We have had a lot of pop-up rain showers, a little humidity to deal with, some incredible lightning, and all that did hold us back after just arriving in Pratt. We took the opportunity to take our crew to Dodge City to see some dirt track races.

It’s been a while since I’ve been to the races, but the races in Dodge City didn’t disappoint. We stayed for all but the last two features. It’s another check in the box for our European crew. They thoroughly enjoyed the sight and even had a good lightning storm to finish out the backdrop. It was also a great way to celebrate Father’s Day one day early. Zoey got to spend the evening with her Dad, and her Papa, as well.

Moving forward, we’ll be looking at moving to Tribune, Kansas, in the next few days. I don’t think the outlook looks too well for crop yields. This part of Kansas had good rain while we were combining last year, but it must not have continued after we left. It’s still not seeing the precipitation needed. We’ll be praying for the right rains.

A lot of moving in the next few days, and the weather sounds to be windy and hot. Hopefully it will be safe moves. I hope harvest is going well for everyone.