25% of Kansas wheat emerged late with potential for winter kill

This season’s brutal cold brought concerns of winter wheat kill in the fragile crop.

One Kansas State University Extension Specialist says that air temperatures dropped to extreme lows, but soil temperatures did not.

Romulo Lollato said that snow in North Kansas went a long way, protecting emerging wheat from that winter cold. However, other parts of the state were not as lucky.

Combined with this year’s late emergence, nearly 25% of the crop is a cause for concern. While 25% of Kansas wheat crop is considered vulnerable to winter kill, it is not widespread.

Lollato says that he is confident the other 75% will make it.

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