Kansas crops deteriorating amid heat, little rain

Corn crops dry up in Douglas County, Kansas, on Aug. 3, 2011.
Photographer: Chris Hernandez/KSHB
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Posted: 08/07/2012

By: Associated Press

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service says the state's corn and soybean crops are in the worst condition since the agency began keeping records in 1985.

In its weekly update, the agency said Monday that 69 percent of the corn crop was in poor to very poor condition. About 22 percent was in fair condition, with just 8 percent rated good and only 1 percent rated excellent.

   About 7 percent of the state's corn acreage had been harvested for grain by Sunday.

   The hot, dry weather is also hurting soybeans, with 67 percent in poor to very poor condition. Sorghum is stressed as well, with 62 percent rated poor to very poor.

   Stock water supplies declined sharply in the past week, with only 28 percent of Kansas having adequate supplies.