Since last year, the state of Kansas has experienced a drought. This drought is one of the most significant the Sunflower State has seen in quite some time. While the drought is more so affecting the western part of the state, that doesn’t mean we’re not feeling it right here in northeast Kansas.
Last month was one of the driest months that Kansas has seen in 128 years. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the state only saw an average of 0.54 inches in total precipitation. That’s down 1.51 inches from normal.
“March was the 14th driest month since 1985,” K-State Research and Extension Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent Leroy Russell said. “We’re hoping April kind of picks back up. Let the farmers in where they can do the farming, work the ground and get the corn in.”
This drought is not helping farmers. Ron Ohlde, a farmer in Washington County, tells 27 News this drought is taking a big toll on his wheat production.
“We’re probably going to have to abandon, as of right now, probably 20 to 30 percent of it,” Ohlde said.
While consumers have already experienced a price hike on some goods, droughts like this will continue to make that price at the grocery store higher, especially when it comes time to harvest.
Source: ksnt.com
Photo Credit: GettyImages-BanksPhotos
Categories: Kansas, Business, Weather