From the Great Bend Economic Development...

Great Bend Economic Development&nbsp;is pleased to announce they have received&nbsp;$166,000 in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The available tax credits will be used to enhance fundraising efforts for&nbsp;the IGNITE Innovation Center.

CSP is a popular program for Kansas nonprofits and public healthcare entities taking on major capital campaigns for projects involving children and family services, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship, and youth technical training and health care. Awarded nonprofits were chosen through a competitive application process. State tax credits reduce the total amount of taxes owed to the state. They are a way for taxpayers to substantially reduce the cost of contributing to&nbsp;Great Bend Economic Development.

Sara Arnberger, President of Great Bend Economic Development, said, "Our project is committed to making a real impact on our community, and the sale of new tax credits is needed in turning this vision into reality. These incentives not only provide us with the necessary financial relief to accelerate our initiatives but also enable us to expand our reach and resources. By leveraging these tax credits, we will establish an innovative space that addresses a wide array of community needs. This support underscores the importance of strategic financial planning in achieving sustainable development and fostering community growth."

IGNITE Innovation Center, an innovative community hub, featuring overnight childcare facilities, a makerspace, a workforce center, and health screening services. This comprehensive approach ensures that a wide array of community needs are addressed.&nbsp;

Businesses and individuals subject to Kansas income tax are eligible to receive a tax credit through this program. Donors giving at least $250 to&nbsp;the IGNITE Innovation Center&nbsp;may qualify for a&nbsp;(70%)&nbsp;tax credit. For example, a donor making a $1,000 gift receives a&nbsp;($700)&nbsp;tax credit when they file their state taxes, making the net cost to the donor only&nbsp;($300).

“CSP amplifies the mission of awarded community service organizations and their projects by encouraging donations through the benefit of state tax credits,” said Matt Godinez, Assistant Secretary of Quality Places. “When you donate to an awarded CSP project, you have the opportunity to support a project and receive a state tax credit to reduce your taxable income.”

If you or your business are interested in donating to Great Bend Economic Development or the IGNITE Innovation Center, please reach out to Sara Arnberger at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:director@gbedinc.com">director@gbedinc.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 620-796-2407.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1607112129072.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>From the Great Bend Economic Development...Great Bend Economic Development&nbsp;is pleased to announce they have received&nbsp;$166,000 in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The available tax credits will be used to enhance fundraising efforts for&nbsp;the IGNITE Innovation Center.CSP is a popular program for Kansas nonprofits and public healthcare entities taking on major capital campaigns for projects involving children and family services, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship, and youth technical training and health care. Awarded nonprofits were chosen through a competitive application process. State tax credits reduce the total amount of taxes owed to the state. They are a way for taxpayers to substantially reduce the cost of contributing to&nbsp;Great Bend Economic Development.Sara Arnberger, President of Great Bend Economic Development, said, "Our project is committed to making a real impact on our community, and the sale of new tax credits is needed in turning this vision into reality. These incentives not only provide us with the necessary financial relief to accelerate our initiatives but also enable us to expand our reach and resources. By leveraging these tax credits, we will establish an innovative space that addresses a wide array of community needs. This support underscores the importance of strategic financial planning in achieving sustainable development and fostering community growth."IGNITE Innovation Center, an innovative community hub, featuring overnight childcare facilities, a makerspace, a workforce center, and health screening services. This comprehensive approach ensures that a wide array of community needs are addressed.&nbsp;Businesses and individuals subject to Kansas income tax are eligible to receive a tax credit through this program. Donors giving at least $250 to&nbsp;the IGNITE Innovation Center&nbsp;may qualify for a&nbsp;(70%)&nbsp;tax credit. For example, a donor making a $1,000 gift receives a&nbsp;($700)&nbsp;tax credit when they file their state taxes, making the net cost to the donor only&nbsp;($300).“CSP amplifies the mission of awarded community service organizations and their projects by encouraging donations through the benefit of state tax credits,” said Matt Godinez, Assistant Secretary of Quality Places. “When you donate to an awarded CSP project, you have the opportunity to support a project and receive a state tax credit to reduce your taxable income.”If you or your business are interested in donating to Great Bend Economic Development or the IGNITE Innovation Center, please reach out to Sara Arnberger at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:director@gbedinc.com">director@gbedinc.com</a>&nbsp;or by calling 620-796-2407.&nbsp;

Great Bend Eco Devo receives $166,000 in tax credits

It’s Fair time again in Barton County! Youth from all of our communities have been working hard on their various projects and will be displaying them for the community to see. Whether you enjoy photography, artwork, or livestock, there is something for everyone at the fair.

I tend to spend most of my time in Expo 3 with the livestock and the 4-Hers that are responsible for them. All animals must be acquired for the fair by May 1st&nbsp;to be eligible for the shows. The children then for the next several months are responsible for their care and training to prepare them for showing. This requires a lot of time and effort to have an animal ready in time. Animals, when they are brought home, may not be accustomed to being handled by humans or being in close contact with them. It is the child that then calms them down and gets them used to a human presence close up. For some animals, that is being trained to a halter and walking with someone. For others, such as hogs, they need to be trained to walk calmly in a ring with other animals, guided by a small whip. The children work tirelessly making sure that their animals are at the weight they need to be, and are clean and calm for show day. Some of the children in the project even attend classes and workshops to learn how to be a better show-person in the ring. What you are seeing when you make it out to the fair is the culmination of all that hard work and effort.

All of this hard work is a valuable learning experience for the 4-Hers that will help them out later in life. By learning life skills early, they are better equipped to handle situations as adults such as speaking confidentially to a group, preparing for an upcoming job, and time management to effectively finish a project. The real world is tough but 4-H and the projects that they complete for the fair help the children prepare for the world when they grow up.

The Fair starts June 26 and runs through the 30th. Come out and support the youth of our communities and see what projects they have on display. It’s a fun filled 5 days of the children showing off all of their hard work, and an enjoyable time for the entire family. For a schedule of events, you can go to bartoncountyfair.com.&nbsp; We hope to see you all there!

Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/10/1698681527025.jpeg" alt="written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District" />
 <figcaption>written by: Alicia Boor - Cottonwood Extension District</figcaption>
 </figure>It’s Fair time again in Barton County! Youth from all of our communities have been working hard on their various projects and will be displaying them for the community to see. Whether you enjoy photography, artwork, or livestock, there is something for everyone at the fair.I tend to spend most of my time in Expo 3 with the livestock and the 4-Hers that are responsible for them. All animals must be acquired for the fair by May 1st&nbsp;to be eligible for the shows. The children then for the next several months are responsible for their care and training to prepare them for showing. This requires a lot of time and effort to have an animal ready in time. Animals, when they are brought home, may not be accustomed to being handled by humans or being in close contact with them. It is the child that then calms them down and gets them used to a human presence close up. For some animals, that is being trained to a halter and walking with someone. For others, such as hogs, they need to be trained to walk calmly in a ring with other animals, guided by a small whip. The children work tirelessly making sure that their animals are at the weight they need to be, and are clean and calm for show day. Some of the children in the project even attend classes and workshops to learn how to be a better show-person in the ring. What you are seeing when you make it out to the fair is the culmination of all that hard work and effort.All of this hard work is a valuable learning experience for the 4-Hers that will help them out later in life. By learning life skills early, they are better equipped to handle situations as adults such as speaking confidentially to a group, preparing for an upcoming job, and time management to effectively finish a project. The real world is tough but 4-H and the projects that they complete for the fair help the children prepare for the world when they grow up.The Fair starts June 26 and runs through the 30th. Come out and support the youth of our communities and see what projects they have on display. It’s a fun filled 5 days of the children showing off all of their hard work, and an enjoyable time for the entire family. For a schedule of events, you can go to bartoncountyfair.com.&nbsp; We hope to see you all there!Alicia Boor is an Agriculture and Natural Resources agent in the Cottonwood District (which includes Barton and Ellis counties) for K-State Research and Extension. You can contact her by e-mail at aboor@ksu.edu or calling 620-793-1910K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity employer and provider. Kansas State University, County Extension Councils, Extension Districts, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperating.

BOOR: It's Fair time again in Barton County

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

At their next meeting, the Great Bend City Council will be presented
information on creating a separate area for smaller dogs at the dog park at
Veterans Memorial Park. The idea of creating a space for small dogs and large
dogs was pitched last year as a quality-of-life sales tax project. 

Assistant
City Administrator Logan Burns said he will walk the council through their
fencing plans at the July 1 meeting.


"This would separate the large dogs and small dogs in the park itself," said Burns. "It will help with some interaction between those dogs and their owners."

The initial plans last spring called for extending the dog park to the north
for a separate gated area for small dogs. A quote from Eldridge Fencing of
$12,875 for approximately 500 feet of fencing was made for the original plan. A
suggestion was made to place a fence in the existing dog park, compartmentalizing
the area, to cut down on the cost for a 4' tall chain link fence.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1664308122710.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostAt their next meeting, the Great Bend City Council will be presented
information on creating a separate area for smaller dogs at the dog park at
Veterans Memorial Park. The idea of creating a space for small dogs and large
dogs was pitched last year as a quality-of-life sales tax project. Assistant
City Administrator Logan Burns said he will walk the council through their
fencing plans at the July 1 meeting.
"This would separate the large dogs and small dogs in the park itself," said Burns. "It will help with some interaction between those dogs and their owners."The initial plans last spring called for extending the dog park to the north
for a separate gated area for small dogs. A quote from Eldridge Fencing of
$12,875 for approximately 500 feet of fencing was made for the original plan. A
suggestion was made to place a fence in the existing dog park, compartmentalizing
the area, to cut down on the cost for a 4' tall chain link fence.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Great Bend to address ‘small and large’ dog areas at dog park

On Wednesday, June 19, at approximately 1 a.m., the Great Bend Fire Department responded to the report of a hay bale on fire near Southeast 20 Road and Southeast 30 Avenue in rural Barton County. Crews arrived to find a large stack of hay fully involved in fire. Crews quickly determined that the approximately 250 bales of hay were a total loss. 

Crews set up defensively to protect an adjacent stack of hay and a residence nearby. Crews remained on scene for several hours. This stack of hay will continue to burn for several days and will be monitored by the property owner and the Great Bend Fire Department. The initial cause of the fire is believed to be a lightning strike. 

The Great Bend Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Barton County Sheriff's Office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718806357058.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Wednesday, June 19, at approximately 1 a.m., the Great Bend Fire Department responded to the report of a hay bale on fire near Southeast 20 Road and Southeast 30 Avenue in rural Barton County. Crews arrived to find a large stack of hay fully involved in fire. Crews quickly determined that the approximately 250 bales of hay were a total loss. Crews set up defensively to protect an adjacent stack of hay and a residence nearby. Crews remained on scene for several hours. This stack of hay will continue to burn for several days and will be monitored by the property owner and the Great Bend Fire Department. The initial cause of the fire is believed to be a lightning strike. The Great Bend Fire Department was assisted on scene by the Barton County Sheriff's Office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718806410560.jpeg" alt="Stack of hay adjacent to the one that burned. The stack that burned in rural Barton County was similar in size." />
 <figcaption>Stack of hay adjacent to the one that burned. The stack that burned in rural Barton County was similar in size.</figcaption>
 </figure>

Lightning believed to have started hay bale fire in Barton Co.

This is day 5 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

Kansas wheat producers can’t seem to catch a break in the weather, kicking up swirling, dust clouds as they raced to cut wheat ahead of heavy thunderstorms and hail on Tuesday, June 18. Harvest is now progressing into areas of south central Kansas that missed the rains that have benefited producers in other parts of the state — a reminder that not all are feeling a sense of recovery this season.&nbsp;

Moisture in the air had combines running slower on Tuesday near Larned, but the day before the Pawnee County Coop Association took in about 100,000 bushels, according to Kim Barnes, interim general manager. This year’s wheat crop suffered — hit by drought and Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. As a result, yields are down at 15 to 40 bushels per acre, test weights are averaging 56 pounds per bushel and quality is lacking.&nbsp;

This is his 55th wheat harvest and Barnes said he has seen it all. This harvest is the fourth in a row to suffer from prolonged drought conditions — not breaking out of drought status for more than three days in a row for all that time.&nbsp;

“Out of the 55 years, this is the next to the lowest year,” he said. “I’ve never seen production this bad than the last couple of years.”&nbsp;

Last year, the coop took in 450,000 bushels, and as of Monday, June 17, Barnes reported the company has only taken in 341,000 bushels so far. While it’s on track to be more than last year, it’s a far cry from the coop’s high of 4 million bushels in 2016.&nbsp;

“We were hoping that we would see a million bushels this year, but now we’re just hoping we had more than last year,” he said.&nbsp;

Adding insult to injury, the wheat market has lost $1 per bushel compared to two or three weeks ago and early export demand was gobbled up by the Texas wheat crop. Even after starting 10 days early, Barnes noted producers will be cutting until the end of June, especially those who have to take extra time to control aggressive cinch bugs driven out of harvest fields into newly planted milo fields.&nbsp;

In eastern Kansas, Jesse Muller is having more harvest luck with a better crop in Montgomery County compared to the last few years. The operation planted solely WestBred varieties this year and Muller reported yields are averaging 40 to 70 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 62 pounds per bushel. He takes all of his wheat to the elevator in Liberty, which takes both hard and soft wheat.

“Compared to last year, everyone is seeing better than expected yields with quality staying steady,” Muller said. “Part of it comes from having a drier fall and a wet spring.”

For the entire county, Muller noted his neighbors have had some loss from both some freeze damage over the winter and hail damage from storms that rolled in the first part of June.

Harvest came later than anticipated, not due to a delay in ripening, but due to rains that kept them out of the fields. With the added moisture, Muller and his neighbors are fighting more weeds the later they stay in the fields.

Muller went through the Kansas Wheat Leadership Program in 2023, which gave him appreciation of the time it takes to get wheat genetics to the farmers’ fields.

“It’s crazy to think about the time it takes from an initial cross to getting planted in farmers’ fields and harvested,” Muller said. “The leadership program opened my eyes to everything within the industry that I can take home and can put into perspective on my operation and be thankful for what they are doing up there.”

Harvest is about halfway complete for Knopf Farms near Gypsum in Saline County after starting cutting on June 11. While there wasn’t much spring moisture, yields are better than expected, according to Justin Knopf, who said the cool, nighttime temperatures in May helped offset that lack of rainfall.

Yields are averaging 45 to 60 bushels per acre, but are wide-ranging from the 30s to 80s, depending on moisture and hail damage. He reported they are seeing good grain quality with test weights ranging from 59 to 62 pounds per bushel, but decreasing as harvest progresses. Excellent varieties include KS Providence, SY Monument and Rock Star.

While the farm will see “typical” yield averages, this is far from an average year with far more variability, due to the lack of spring rains, hail damage, freeze impacts and variety maturity. Knopf noted he was glad he applied fungicide at flag leaf because it was holding the stripe rust at bay.

Wheat harvest also started about 10 days early in McPherson County, where grower Derek Sawyer spoke with Slade Wiley with the Kansas Ag Network from the field on Tuesday, June 18. It could have been earlier, but the first good rain since January hit right when harvest should have started.&nbsp;

“It’s kind of ironic that we’re fighting mud when the yields are really depressed by drought,” Sawyer told the broadcaster. “But that’s the way it goes here.”

Now that he’s in the combine cab, Sawyer expects to finish up harvest by the end of the week — if there are no more rain delays. Overall, the crop appears to be of good quality with test weights hanging in about 60 pounds per bushel.

“The quality of the crop looks excellent; the yields are better than we expected,” he noted. “It’s a nice surprise to get out here and get some wheat rolling in the bin that we didn’t expect.”

Breaking down the harvest results further, however, reveals a spotty, variable crop within individual fields. Sawyer noted that going from 60-bushel wheat down to 10-bushel wheat within a single step, for no obvious rhyme or reason, is giving combine operators extra headaches as they work to set their machines and keep their headers clean.&nbsp;

Sawyer added that he’s reflecting on the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Turkey Red wheat in Kansas — noting that there’s no way the wheat of yesterday would have endured and made this year’s yields without the aid of the wheat breeding pipeline improving on Turkey Red’s foundation.&nbsp;

“You realize in years like this the impact of the research and the improvements we have done year after year,” he said. “There needs to be a lot of credit for the scientists and the breeders of wheat in Kansas because this year’s weather conditions shouldn’t have given us the yield that we’re getting.”

Rain delays will keep most of the state out of the field for the next couple of days. Stay tuned for a special edition of the Kansas Wheat harvest report focused on soft wheat production on Thursday.

The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates, use&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kfhCWq169IMnoVpmCVBd9SXXLwWXNLFBHE8ywxok7iox5iihzlHRRgoJHd2mDIW2QbxoIaSryTDftXI2PsEkGp7OT7rszS4lfLjBddG6Hgff5BdkuXwDQD0LxjninEF94Nyztd20RRfJvn9Y_xabhu3tkx3t9s_I-izUZmI7U1RTMtpIiOm_fjwoA-IlK9KInrAklwnd3_GNsgrsUMUafzg0yprPzaK6OfMGIN8aVTs=&amp;c=y1uAtFglg2kUaua7HrmkeU6wPziSdGZzUyvZnpgy5tqXha5KMuU4Pw==&amp;ch=m6YzYSGCaTG-ssiNDLhfi8v6Y_rZqq03V0tdeXqESMGvDFWI6QbZbQ==" target="_blank">#wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kfhCWq169IMnoVpmCVBd9SXXLwWXNLFBHE8ywxok7iox5iihzlHRRvUFy6l9TcQlKVEAXy-e1PmD7eBP2JlqXn2gJxrU0JR-VH17t0-QepNiVxqx1_A_t7LGz74HfsVGCG4m_-b4D_Jc7jojDWLSTqlSROY9x7DbfsFGWl1J5rw=&amp;c=y1uAtFglg2kUaua7HrmkeU6wPziSdGZzUyvZnpgy5tqXha5KMuU4Pw==&amp;ch=m6YzYSGCaTG-ssiNDLhfi8v6Y_rZqq03V0tdeXqESMGvDFWI6QbZbQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kfhCWq169IMnoVpmCVBd9SXXLwWXNLFBHE8ywxok7iox5iihzlHRRkmQx9imwaJmDRDblSXMtP_C_DaxjYTYwpP4Xo_HT3pSZM0QxgceMFBmn7i8iLL-W2CEU5AoCRrhCbQDs60rxdLqCVaSgppHoNu0dTsUAZi-&amp;c=y1uAtFglg2kUaua7HrmkeU6wPziSdGZzUyvZnpgy5tqXha5KMuU4Pw==&amp;ch=m6YzYSGCaTG-ssiNDLhfi8v6Y_rZqq03V0tdeXqESMGvDFWI6QbZbQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kfhCWq169IMnoVpmCVBd9SXXLwWXNLFBHE8ywxok7iox5iihzlHRRoZv8Dj-RPgyXJDQUL9mmR4BFH3uUZmkreYUlwncJoqR6fMlUpcs9ch6AMyrLdfx4MuXiFlF7Pw0iUimcOraq17p08Zb6Q4aBiQ_DBeM-8Ru&amp;c=y1uAtFglg2kUaua7HrmkeU6wPziSdGZzUyvZnpgy5tqXha5KMuU4Pw==&amp;ch=m6YzYSGCaTG-ssiNDLhfi8v6Y_rZqq03V0tdeXqESMGvDFWI6QbZbQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.

Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718787978535.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 5 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.Kansas wheat producers can’t seem to catch a break in the weather, kicking up swirling, dust clouds as they raced to cut wheat ahead of heavy thunderstorms and hail on Tuesday, June 18. Harvest is now progressing into areas of south central Kansas that missed the rains that have benefited producers in other parts of the state — a reminder that not all are feeling a sense of recovery this season.&nbsp;Moisture in the air had combines running slower on Tuesday near Larned, but the day before the Pawnee County Coop Association took in about 100,000 bushels, according to Kim Barnes, interim general manager. This year’s wheat crop suffered — hit by drought and Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus. As a result, yields are down at 15 to 40 bushels per acre, test weights are averaging 56 pounds per bushel and quality is lacking.&nbsp;This is his 55th wheat harvest and Barnes said he has seen it all. This harvest is the fourth in a row to suffer from prolonged drought conditions — not breaking out of drought status for more than three days in a row for all that time.&nbsp;“Out of the 55 years, this is the next to the lowest year,” he said. “I’ve never seen production this bad than the last couple of years.”&nbsp;Last year, the coop took in 450,000 bushels, and as of Monday, June 17, Barnes reported the company has only taken in 341,000 bushels so far. While it’s on track to be more than last year, it’s a far cry from the coop’s high of 4 million bushels in 2016.&nbsp;“We were hoping that we would see a million bushels this year, but now we’re just hoping we had more than last year,” he said.&nbsp;Adding insult to injury, the wheat market has lost $1 per bushel compared to two or three weeks ago and early export demand was gobbled up by the Texas wheat crop. Even after starting 10 days early, Barnes noted producers will be cutting until the end of June, especially those who have to take extra time to control aggressive cinch bugs driven out of harvest fields into newly planted milo fields.&nbsp;In eastern Kansas, Jesse Muller is having more harvest luck with a better crop in Montgomery County compared to the last few years. The operation planted solely WestBred varieties this year and Muller reported yields are averaging 40 to 70 bushels per acre with test weights averaging 62 pounds per bushel. He takes all of his wheat to the elevator in Liberty, which takes both hard and soft wheat.“Compared to last year, everyone is seeing better than expected yields with quality staying steady,” Muller said. “Part of it comes from having a drier fall and a wet spring.”For the entire county, Muller noted his neighbors have had some loss from both some freeze damage over the winter and hail damage from storms that rolled in the first part of June.Harvest came later than anticipated, not due to a delay in ripening, but due to rains that kept them out of the fields. With the added moisture, Muller and his neighbors are fighting more weeds the later they stay in the fields.Muller went through the Kansas Wheat Leadership Program in 2023, which gave him appreciation of the time it takes to get wheat genetics to the farmers’ fields.“It’s crazy to think about the time it takes from an initial cross to getting planted in farmers’ fields and harvested,” Muller said. “The leadership program opened my eyes to everything within the industry that I can take home and can put into perspective on my operation and be thankful for what they are doing up there.”Harvest is about halfway complete for Knopf Farms near Gypsum in Saline County after starting cutting on June 11. While there wasn’t much spring moisture, yields are better than expected, according to Justin Knopf, who said the cool, nighttime temperatures in May helped offset that lack of rainfall.Yields are averaging 45 to 60 bushels per acre, but are wide-ranging from the 30s to 80s, depending on moisture and hail damage. He reported they are seeing good grain quality with test weights ranging from 59 to 62 pounds per bushel, but decreasing as harvest progresses. Excellent varieties include KS Providence, SY Monument and Rock Star.While the farm will see “typical” yield averages, this is far from an average year with far more variability, due to the lack of spring rains, hail damage, freeze impacts and variety maturity. Knopf noted he was glad he applied fungicide at flag leaf because it was holding the stripe rust at bay.Wheat harvest also started about 10 days early in McPherson County, where grower Derek Sawyer spoke with Slade Wiley with the Kansas Ag Network from the field on Tuesday, June 18. It could have been earlier, but the first good rain since January hit right when harvest should have started.&nbsp;“It’s kind of ironic that we’re fighting mud when the yields are really depressed by drought,” Sawyer told the broadcaster. “But that’s the way it goes here.”Now that he’s in the combine cab, Sawyer expects to finish up harvest by the end of the week — if there are no more rain delays. Overall, the crop appears to be of good quality with test weights hanging in about 60 pounds per bushel.“The quality of the crop looks excellent; the yields are better than we expected,” he noted. “It’s a nice surprise to get out here and get some wheat rolling in the bin that we didn’t expect.”Breaking down the harvest results further, however, reveals a spotty, variable crop within individual fields. Sawyer noted that going from 60-bushel wheat down to 10-bushel wheat within a single step, for no obvious rhyme or reason, is giving combine operators extra headaches as they work to set their machines and keep their headers clean.&nbsp;Sawyer added that he’s reflecting on the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Turkey Red wheat in Kansas — noting that there’s no way the wheat of yesterday would have endured and made this year’s yields without the aid of the wheat breeding pipeline improving on Turkey Red’s foundation.&nbsp;“You realize in years like this the impact of the research and the improvements we have done year after year,” he said. “There needs to be a lot of credit for the scientists and the breeders of wheat in Kansas because this year’s weather conditions shouldn’t have given us the yield that we’re getting.”Rain delays will keep most of the state out of the field for the next couple of days. Stay tuned for a special edition of the Kansas Wheat harvest report focused on soft wheat production on Thursday.The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates, use&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kfhCWq169IMnoVpmCVBd9SXXLwWXNLFBHE8ywxok7iox5iihzlHRRgoJHd2mDIW2QbxoIaSryTDftXI2PsEkGp7OT7rszS4lfLjBddG6Hgff5BdkuXwDQD0LxjninEF94Nyztd20RRfJvn9Y_xabhu3tkx3t9s_I-izUZmI7U1RTMtpIiOm_fjwoA-IlK9KInrAklwnd3_GNsgrsUMUafzg0yprPzaK6OfMGIN8aVTs=&amp;c=y1uAtFglg2kUaua7HrmkeU6wPziSdGZzUyvZnpgy5tqXha5KMuU4Pw==&amp;ch=m6YzYSGCaTG-ssiNDLhfi8v6Y_rZqq03V0tdeXqESMGvDFWI6QbZbQ==" target="_blank">#wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kfhCWq169IMnoVpmCVBd9SXXLwWXNLFBHE8ywxok7iox5iihzlHRRvUFy6l9TcQlKVEAXy-e1PmD7eBP2JlqXn2gJxrU0JR-VH17t0-QepNiVxqx1_A_t7LGz74HfsVGCG4m_-b4D_Jc7jojDWLSTqlSROY9x7DbfsFGWl1J5rw=&amp;c=y1uAtFglg2kUaua7HrmkeU6wPziSdGZzUyvZnpgy5tqXha5KMuU4Pw==&amp;ch=m6YzYSGCaTG-ssiNDLhfi8v6Y_rZqq03V0tdeXqESMGvDFWI6QbZbQ==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kfhCWq169IMnoVpmCVBd9SXXLwWXNLFBHE8ywxok7iox5iihzlHRRkmQx9imwaJmDRDblSXMtP_C_DaxjYTYwpP4Xo_HT3pSZM0QxgceMFBmn7i8iLL-W2CEU5AoCRrhCbQDs60rxdLqCVaSgppHoNu0dTsUAZi-&amp;c=y1uAtFglg2kUaua7HrmkeU6wPziSdGZzUyvZnpgy5tqXha5KMuU4Pw==&amp;ch=m6YzYSGCaTG-ssiNDLhfi8v6Y_rZqq03V0tdeXqESMGvDFWI6QbZbQ==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001kfhCWq169IMnoVpmCVBd9SXXLwWXNLFBHE8ywxok7iox5iihzlHRRoZv8Dj-RPgyXJDQUL9mmR4BFH3uUZmkreYUlwncJoqR6fMlUpcs9ch6AMyrLdfx4MuXiFlF7Pw0iUimcOraq17p08Zb6Q4aBiQ_DBeM-8Ru&amp;c=y1uAtFglg2kUaua7HrmkeU6wPziSdGZzUyvZnpgy5tqXha5KMuU4Pw==&amp;ch=m6YzYSGCaTG-ssiNDLhfi8v6Y_rZqq03V0tdeXqESMGvDFWI6QbZbQ==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

Day 5, Kansas Wheat Harvest Report

From Great Bend Economic Development...

Great Bend Economic Development/Great Bend Main Street is excited to announce that a project in Great Bend has been selected by Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland as one of the recipients of the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) program. This program will provide $50,000 each to eight projects in designated Kansas Main Street communities to create new residential units in the upper floors of downtown buildings.

Multiple property owners in Great Bend applied for the grant, demonstrating their serious commitment to revitalizing Great Bend's Main Street properties. Great Bend Economic Development/Main Street is pleased to see so many local property owners' efforts toward positive progress in the historic buildings on Main Street.

The Department of Commerce has announced the selection of awarded projects, tasking designated Main Street organizations with delivering this exciting news to property owners. This grant marks a pivotal moment for downtown Great Bend, facilitating the development of three new one- and two-bedroom units, referred to as Hammond Lofts, owned by Hammond, Inc. 

Sara Arnberger, the Economic Development Director of Great Bend, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Tammy Hammond has long been a key figure in downtown development, and we are thrilled that this grant will support yet another successful property renovation."

<a></a>Property owners and applicants underwent a competitive process, showcasing their dedication to reviving their downtown commercial districts. Great Bend Economic Development/Main Street is proud to be one of 30 active Designated communities participating in the Kansas Main Street program.

From Great Bend Economic Development...Great Bend Economic Development/Great Bend Main Street is excited to announce that a project in Great Bend has been selected by Lieutenant Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland as one of the recipients of the Residential Opportunities on Main Street (ROOMS) program. This program will provide $50,000 each to eight projects in designated Kansas Main Street communities to create new residential units in the upper floors of downtown buildings.Multiple property owners in Great Bend applied for the grant, demonstrating their serious commitment to revitalizing Great Bend's Main Street properties. Great Bend Economic Development/Main Street is pleased to see so many local property owners' efforts toward positive progress in the historic buildings on Main Street.The Department of Commerce has announced the selection of awarded projects, tasking designated Main Street organizations with delivering this exciting news to property owners. This grant marks a pivotal moment for downtown Great Bend, facilitating the development of three new one- and two-bedroom units, referred to as Hammond Lofts, owned by Hammond, Inc. Sara Arnberger, the Economic Development Director of Great Bend, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "Tammy Hammond has long been a key figure in downtown development, and we are thrilled that this grant will support yet another successful property renovation."<a></a>Property owners and applicants underwent a competitive process, showcasing their dedication to reviving their downtown commercial districts. Great Bend Economic Development/Main Street is proud to be one of 30 active Designated communities participating in the Kansas Main Street program.

$50,000 grant awarded to Hammond Lofts in downtown Great Bend

Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (6/18)

At 4:32 a.m. falls were reported at 638 E. Lakeview Dr. in
Hoisington.

At 11:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at NW 60 Road
&amp; N. 281 Highway.

At 1:38 p.m. a fire was reported at NE 140 Avenue &amp; NE
120 Road in Claflin.

At 2:44 p.m. an accident was reported at 583 NW 190 Road in
Galatia.

At 4:25 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 3626 Robin
Road.

At 4:57 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 197 on
W. US 56 Highway.

At 5:13 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 199 S. US
281 Highway.

At 7:34 p.m. a fire was reported at 706 NW 10 Avenue in
Hoisington.

Great Bend Police Department incident log (6/18)

At 5:09 a.m. Don Keilman reported an animal complaint at 2509 16th Street.

At 8:43 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3125 Morton.

At 10:21 a.m. Nicole Hartman reported lost property at 2601 Paseo Dr. Items were located and returned to owner.

At 11:08 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5318 10th Street.

At 11:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at NW 60 Road &amp; N. 281 Highway.

At 3:59 p.m. a fireworks complaint was reported at 3115 Morton.

At 6:01 p.m. Carol Hopkins reported a dog at large at 3412 23rd Street.

At 7:18 p.m. an officer reported a parking complaint at Forest &amp; Williams.

At 7:55 p.m. a theft was reported at 1033 Adams Street.

At 8:23 p.m. a fire was reported at 1017 Harding.

At 8:46 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 223 Holland.

At 9:36 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5210 10th Street.

At 9:56 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 2106 27th Street.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1688655627753.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Barton County Sheriff’s
Office incident log (6/18)FallsAt 4:32 a.m. falls were reported at 638 E. Lakeview Dr. in
Hoisington.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 11:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at NW 60 Road
&amp; N. 281 Highway.FireAt 1:38 p.m. a fire was reported at NE 140 Avenue &amp; NE
120 Road in Claflin.Non-Injury AccidentAt 2:44 p.m. an accident was reported at 583 NW 190 Road in
Galatia.Animal Complaint At 4:25 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 3626 Robin
Road.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 4:57 p.m. a driving complaint was reported at MM 197 on
W. US 56 Highway.Animal ComplaintAt 5:13 p.m. an animal complaint was reported at 199 S. US
281 Highway.FireAt 7:34 p.m. a fire was reported at 706 NW 10 Avenue in
Hoisington.Great Bend Police Department incident log (6/18)Animal ComplaintAt 5:09 a.m. Don Keilman reported an animal complaint at 2509 16th Street.Traumatic InjuriesAt 8:43 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 3125 Morton.Burglary / Not in ProgressAt 10:21 a.m. Nicole Hartman reported lost property at 2601 Paseo Dr. Items were located and returned to owner.Traumatic InjuriesAt 11:08 a.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5318 10th Street.Driving / Driver ComplaintAt 11:52 a.m. a driving complaint was reported at NW 60 Road &amp; N. 281 Highway.Fireworks ComplaintAt 3:59 p.m. a fireworks complaint was reported at 3115 Morton.Animal ComplaintAt 6:01 p.m. Carol Hopkins reported a dog at large at 3412 23rd Street.Parking ComplaintAt 7:18 p.m. an officer reported a parking complaint at Forest &amp; Williams.TheftAt 7:55 p.m. a theft was reported at 1033 Adams Street.FireAt 8:23 p.m. a fire was reported at 1017 Harding.Breathing ProblemsAt 8:46 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 223 Holland.Traumatic InjuriesAt 9:36 p.m. EMS assistance was needed at 5210 10th Street.Animal ComplaintAt 9:56 p.m. a dog bite was reported at 2106 27th Street.

Cop Shop (6/18)

On Monday, June 17, at approximately 9:10 a.m., the Great Bend Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request from the Larned Fire Department for a structure fire in Pawnee County. 

Great Bend firefighters assisted with transporting water to the scene and due to the hot temperature and high humidity crews also assisted with extinguishing the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718804957744.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Monday, June 17, at approximately 9:10 a.m., the Great Bend Fire Department responded to a mutual aid request from the Larned Fire Department for a structure fire in Pawnee County. Great Bend firefighters assisted with transporting water to the scene and due to the hot temperature and high humidity crews also assisted with extinguishing the fire.

Great Bend Fire Dept. responds to house fire in Pawnee Co.

6/18 BOOKED: Kevin Mata-Alcala on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Damage, bond set at $1,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael Moore, Jr. on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $673 cash only; and on Barton County District Court case for Theft, bond set at $5,000 C/S.

BOOKED: Michael Stevenson on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $2,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Valerie Burns on Ellinwood Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.

BOOKED: Kevin Burns on three Ellinwood Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, total bond set at $1,500 C/S.

BOOKED: Pablos Rios on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $316 cash only.

RELEASED: Brett Detter on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $200 cash bond.

RELEASED: Sharolyn Reddick on Stafford County District Court case for Distribution of Methamphetamine, DUI, Interference with LEO, and Traffic Contraband into Correctional Facility, after posting $100,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Kevin Mata-Alcala on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Damage, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Michael Stevenson on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Michael Moore, Jr. on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court; and on Barton County District Court case for Theft, after posting a total $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Valerie Burns on Ellinwood Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.

RELEASED: Kevin Burns on three Ellinwood Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,500 in surety bonds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/5/1651581305265.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>6/18 BOOKED: Kevin Mata-Alcala on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Damage, bond set at $1,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michael Moore, Jr. on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation, total bond set at $10,000 C/S; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $673 cash only; and on Barton County District Court case for Theft, bond set at $5,000 C/S.BOOKED: Michael Stevenson on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $2,500 C/S.BOOKED: Valerie Burns on Ellinwood Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, bond set at $500 C/S.BOOKED: Kevin Burns on three Ellinwood Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, total bond set at $1,500 C/S.BOOKED: Pablos Rios on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court, bond set at $316 cash only.RELEASED: Brett Detter on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting a $200 cash bond.RELEASED: Sharolyn Reddick on Stafford County District Court case for Distribution of Methamphetamine, DUI, Interference with LEO, and Traffic Contraband into Correctional Facility, after posting $100,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Kevin Mata-Alcala on Great Bend Municipal Court case for Criminal Damage, after posting $1,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Michael Stevenson on Barton County District Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $2,500 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Michael Moore, Jr. on two Barton County District Court warrants for Probation Violation; and on Great Bend Municipal Court warrant for Contempt of Court; and on Barton County District Court case for Theft, after posting a total $20,000 surety bond through Ace Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Valerie Burns on Ellinwood Municipal Court warrant for Failure to Appear, after posting $500 surety bond through Around the Clock Bail Bonds.RELEASED: Kevin Burns on three Ellinwood Municipal Court warrants for Failure to Appear, after posting $1,500 in surety bonds.

Barton County Sheriff's booking activity (6/18)

By MIKE COURSON Great Bend Post

Love's Travel Stops and Country Stores, Inc. turned 60 years old in January. The convenience store chain that got its start in Watonga, Okla. is sharing the love with communities across the United States. Each Love's store was asked to nominate a local school to receive a $6,000 grant to celebrate the 60th anniversary. Beth Rein, principal at Riley Elementary in Great Bend, was surprised and honored to receive the grant.

"Edna Sanchez is the manager of the Love's store, which is just down the street from Riley," Rein said. "She was a former student and her two kids go there. She just wanted to do something to better the school and thought of us to nominate."

Riley Elementary has some of the oldest playground equipment among the Great Bend schools, and the playground is prone to flooding. The $6,000 will go toward playground improvements. The school will create a sixth-grade leadership team to help determine how to use the funds.

"Of course, $6,000 isn't going to get us great big, huge equipment, but some new playground balls and there are lots of really cool playground games out there now," said Rein. "They can have some ownership in what's going to make their recess time better."

Love's is the only family-owned major travel stop in North America and Europe. The chain has 637 locations in 42 states and nearly 40,000 employees.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1605635007168.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MIKE COURSON Great Bend PostLove's Travel Stops and Country Stores, Inc. turned 60 years old in January. The convenience store chain that got its start in Watonga, Okla. is sharing the love with communities across the United States. Each Love's store was asked to nominate a local school to receive a $6,000 grant to celebrate the 60th anniversary. Beth Rein, principal at Riley Elementary in Great Bend, was surprised and honored to receive the grant."Edna Sanchez is the manager of the Love's store, which is just down the street from Riley," Rein said. "She was a former student and her two kids go there. She just wanted to do something to better the school and thought of us to nominate."Riley Elementary has some of the oldest playground equipment among the Great Bend schools, and the playground is prone to flooding. The $6,000 will go toward playground improvements. The school will create a sixth-grade leadership team to help determine how to use the funds."Of course, $6,000 isn't going to get us great big, huge equipment, but some new playground balls and there are lots of really cool playground games out there now," said Rein. "They can have some ownership in what's going to make their recess time better."Love's is the only family-owned major travel stop in North America and Europe. The chain has 637 locations in 42 states and nearly 40,000 employees.

Great Bend's Riley Elementary receives $6,000 grant from Love's

Citizens from all over will have a chance to experience the thrill of
flight at the Great Bend Airfest this September. The three-day event will
feature air shows, night-time performances, stunts from skilled pilots,
up-close displays and plenty of entertainment on the ground too. 

The 2024 show
will cost approximately $300,000, so Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina
Hayes said along with sponsors and tickets, the city will be conduct a raffle.


"We have four awesome opportunities to win," said Hayes. "This will be another way to offset that expensive cost of Airfest."

Tickets for this year’s Airfest and the raffle will go on sale July 26 during the Fridays on Forest event downtown hosted by Great Bend Economic Development. A ticket for the raffle will be $10 and give you
four chances to win an experience at Airfest, including two driving
opportunities.


"You can win a drive in a Lamborghini or Ferrari," said Hayes. "You'll get to go down the runway. There's one seat on the B-29 Doc. Craig Robl also donated a ride in an F-1 Rocket."

Great Bend Airfest, scheduled every three years and planned for September 20-22
this fall, is one of the premier airshows in the United States.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

More information can be found at <a href="https://www.greatbendairfest.com/">greatbendairfest.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606795465032.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostCitizens from all over will have a chance to experience the thrill of
flight at the Great Bend Airfest this September. The three-day event will
feature air shows, night-time performances, stunts from skilled pilots,
up-close displays and plenty of entertainment on the ground too. The 2024 show
will cost approximately $300,000, so Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina
Hayes said along with sponsors and tickets, the city will be conduct a raffle.
"We have four awesome opportunities to win," said Hayes. "This will be another way to offset that expensive cost of Airfest."Tickets for this year’s Airfest and the raffle will go on sale July 26 during the Fridays on Forest event downtown hosted by Great Bend Economic Development. A ticket for the raffle will be $10 and give you
four chances to win an experience at Airfest, including two driving
opportunities.
"You can win a drive in a Lamborghini or Ferrari," said Hayes. "You'll get to go down the runway. There's one seat on the B-29 Doc. Craig Robl also donated a ride in an F-1 Rocket."Great Bend Airfest, scheduled every three years and planned for September 20-22
this fall, is one of the premier airshows in the United States.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;More information can be found at <a href="https://www.greatbendairfest.com/">greatbendairfest.com</a>.

Chance to ride B-29 through raffle benefitting Great Bend Airfest

Juneteenth Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 75. East wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind 8 to 11 mph.

Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.

Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.

Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.

Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Breezy.

Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Sunday Sunny, with a high near 94.

Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.

Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.

Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.

Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Juneteenth Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 7 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 75. East wind 10 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%.Tonight A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 66. East wind 8 to 11 mph.Thursday Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. South wind 9 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.Thursday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind 9 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.Friday Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Breezy, with a south wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 29 mph.Friday Night Mostly cloudy, with a low around 74.Saturday Mostly sunny, with a high near 94. Breezy.Saturday Night A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms before 1 a.m. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.Sunday Sunny, with a high near 94.Sunday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 70.Monday Sunny and hot, with a high near 97.Monday Night Partly cloudy, with a low around 74.Tuesday Sunny and hot, with a high near 100.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Wednesday's weather

The Great Bend City Council voted in favor of installing prefabricated
restrooms at Langrehr Field, just to the east of the Great Bend Sports Complex.
Through the quality-of-life sales tax initiative, the ballfield bathrooms were
scheduled for 2025. With tabling the Brit Spaugh Park addition, funds freed up
to get the Langrehr project done this year. 

Assistant City Administrator Logan
Burns said city staff made plenty of reference calls to other cities and
organizations to check on the quality of the restroom facility.


"We looked at the similar restroom at Cheyenne Bottoms, at their campground and main facility," said Burns. "They have two of these that they set up about five years ago. They're still in great condition."

The $94,093 purchase from Sourcewell preferred vendor CXT will be 10'3" x 17'. The two single restrooms will have interior and exterior
lights, a four-gallon water heater, electric hand dryers, ADA drinking fountain
and a timed electric lock system.


"We originally looked at placing this in the grass area, but with everything so tight there and the main electric lines going over the top, we opted to put it in the first two parking stalls that are right behind home plate," said Burns. "We will have to take out some asphalt. Right now, a lot of that parking is not being utilized because of foul balls."

The prefabricated restrooms will be installed in 120 to 150 days, so they will
not be available for this summer’s ballgames.
Langrehr Field, outside of the gates of the Sports Complex, currently has no
restroom nearby for patrons. The new restroom will be open only during the summer
months.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/4/1649135751522.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Great Bend City Council voted in favor of installing prefabricated
restrooms at Langrehr Field, just to the east of the Great Bend Sports Complex.
Through the quality-of-life sales tax initiative, the ballfield bathrooms were
scheduled for 2025. With tabling the Brit Spaugh Park addition, funds freed up
to get the Langrehr project done this year. Assistant City Administrator Logan
Burns said city staff made plenty of reference calls to other cities and
organizations to check on the quality of the restroom facility.
"We looked at the similar restroom at Cheyenne Bottoms, at their campground and main facility," said Burns. "They have two of these that they set up about five years ago. They're still in great condition."The $94,093 purchase from Sourcewell preferred vendor CXT will be 10'3" x 17'. The two single restrooms will have interior and exterior
lights, a four-gallon water heater, electric hand dryers, ADA drinking fountain
and a timed electric lock system.
"We originally looked at placing this in the grass area, but with everything so tight there and the main electric lines going over the top, we opted to put it in the first two parking stalls that are right behind home plate," said Burns. "We will have to take out some asphalt. Right now, a lot of that parking is not being utilized because of foul balls."The prefabricated restrooms will be installed in 120 to 150 days, so they will
not be available for this summer’s ballgames.
Langrehr Field, outside of the gates of the Sports Complex, currently has no
restroom nearby for patrons. The new restroom will be open only during the summer
months.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

Restroom at Great Bend’s Langrehr Field to be installed 

News from the Oil Patch, June 17 John P. Tretbar

Crude prices rose to four-week highs Monday afternoon, with the near-month NYMEX contract for light sweet crude rising over $80 a barrel, and London Brent trading over $84.Kansas common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $68.75 per barrel, up three dollars from last week.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dropped by four oil rigs to 590 rigs nationwide. The tally in New Mexico was up one for the week. Texas and Louisiana were each down two rigs. Oklahoma was down one.

The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is unchanged from a week ago with 13 active rigs east of Wichita and 19 in Western Kansas. The tally is down 27% from a year ago. Drilling was underway on Monday on a lease in Russell County and two more in Stafford County.

Regulators in Kansas approved 15 permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, with seven west of Wichita including three in Barton County and one in Russell County. That's 435 new permits this year, compared to 622 a year ago.

Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 30 newly-completed wells statewide, 16 in Western Kansas including two in Barton County, one in Russell County and one in Stafford County. That's 817 completions year-to date, compared to 817 by this time last year.

Shale-oil drilling in the United States last week dropped to a nearly three-year low. The national rig count from Baker Hughes was 594, the lowest total since January 4th of 2022. Bloomberg reports that productivity gains last year have prompted executives to slow activity amid a shrinking inventory of top-tier drilling locations, as well as industry consolidation and promises to return profits to shareholders. Total spending in North America is forecast to drop one percent this year, according to the report. Those promised cost reductions have yet to impact workers in a significant way. Wages in the oil patch set a new record in April, according to a Labor Department report. Average earnings for top oil and gas workers rose by half a percent from March to $44.67 per hour. That's an increase of more than three percent from a year ago.

DOE makes another 7-figure paper profit refilling our strategic crude stockpiles. The Energy Department added another 300-thousand barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which rises to 370.5 million barrels. We’re paying $15 a barrel less than what we sold it for two years ago, and saving more than five billion dollars in the process. Commercial crude-oil stockpiles increased last week by nearly four million barrels to 459,700,000 barrels. That’s four percent below the five year average for this time of year.

Crude production was down slightly in Alaska, but up slightly in the lower 48 states. Total output for the week averages 13,225,000 barrels per day, up 100,000 barrels from last week.

EIA reports a big run-up in crude-oil imports, and a big drop-off in exports. The Energy Information Administration reported a spike in crude-oil imports for the week, up 1.2 million barrels a day to over 8.3 million. The four week average rose more than 11%. Crude imports outpaced exports by more than five million barrels a day. Exports dropped last week. US traders shipped out nearly 3.2 million barrels of crude per day, down more than a million barrels a day.

The number-three crude producing state continues to pump up output since their big winter downturn. North Dakota crude output in April rose about one percent to 1.24 million barrels a day, an increase of more than 11-thousand daily barrels from the month before. That's up more than 130-thousand barrels a day from January, when a winter weather event shut in nearly half the state's production. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources says the gas-capture rate remains at 95% with only five percent of well-head gas being flared or vented. Natural gas production rose three percent&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577125598039.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>News from the Oil Patch, June 17 John P. TretbarCrude prices rose to four-week highs Monday afternoon, with the near-month NYMEX contract for light sweet crude rising over $80 a barrel, and London Brent trading over $84.Kansas common crude at CHS in McPherson starts the week at $68.75 per barrel, up three dollars from last week.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes dropped by four oil rigs to 590 rigs nationwide. The tally in New Mexico was up one for the week. Texas and Louisiana were each down two rigs. Oklahoma was down one.The Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service is unchanged from a week ago with 13 active rigs east of Wichita and 19 in Western Kansas. The tally is down 27% from a year ago. Drilling was underway on Monday on a lease in Russell County and two more in Stafford County.Regulators in Kansas approved 15 permits for drilling at new locations across the state last week, with seven west of Wichita including three in Barton County and one in Russell County. That's 435 new permits this year, compared to 622 a year ago.Independent Oil &amp; Gas Service reports 30 newly-completed wells statewide, 16 in Western Kansas including two in Barton County, one in Russell County and one in Stafford County. That's 817 completions year-to date, compared to 817 by this time last year.Shale-oil drilling in the United States last week dropped to a nearly three-year low. The national rig count from Baker Hughes was 594, the lowest total since January 4th of 2022. Bloomberg reports that productivity gains last year have prompted executives to slow activity amid a shrinking inventory of top-tier drilling locations, as well as industry consolidation and promises to return profits to shareholders. Total spending in North America is forecast to drop one percent this year, according to the report. Those promised cost reductions have yet to impact workers in a significant way. Wages in the oil patch set a new record in April, according to a Labor Department report. Average earnings for top oil and gas workers rose by half a percent from March to $44.67 per hour. That's an increase of more than three percent from a year ago.DOE makes another 7-figure paper profit refilling our strategic crude stockpiles. The Energy Department added another 300-thousand barrels to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which rises to 370.5 million barrels. We’re paying $15 a barrel less than what we sold it for two years ago, and saving more than five billion dollars in the process. Commercial crude-oil stockpiles increased last week by nearly four million barrels to 459,700,000 barrels. That’s four percent below the five year average for this time of year.Crude production was down slightly in Alaska, but up slightly in the lower 48 states. Total output for the week averages 13,225,000 barrels per day, up 100,000 barrels from last week.EIA reports a big run-up in crude-oil imports, and a big drop-off in exports. The Energy Information Administration reported a spike in crude-oil imports for the week, up 1.2 million barrels a day to over 8.3 million. The four week average rose more than 11%. Crude imports outpaced exports by more than five million barrels a day. Exports dropped last week. US traders shipped out nearly 3.2 million barrels of crude per day, down more than a million barrels a day.The number-three crude producing state continues to pump up output since their big winter downturn. North Dakota crude output in April rose about one percent to 1.24 million barrels a day, an increase of more than 11-thousand daily barrels from the month before. That's up more than 130-thousand barrels a day from January, when a winter weather event shut in nearly half the state's production. The North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources says the gas-capture rate remains at 95% with only five percent of well-head gas being flared or vented. Natural gas production rose three percent&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: Crude prices rise to four-week highs

If a three-pronged wish-list could come true, Jason Murray believes a local scholarship program could be revived, while simultaneously, area residents would learn more about a state effort to curtail brain drain throughout Kansas.

As executive director of the Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF), Murray is eager to re-invigorate the local Come Home Reverse Scholarship fund and spread the word about the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) program at the Kansas Department of Commerce.

One of the three goals is to form a small task force in each of the four counties in GBCF’s service territory – Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford.

“Ideally, we would have five people in each of these counties study the out-migration issue and spread the word in their communities,” Murray said. “We are recruiting government officials, business owners, and representatives of education and healthcare to share their time and expertise.

“Task force members should be energetic and hungry to find a solution through ideas and action. They should be visionaries who can be held accountable for reaching goals.”

A second priority is to raise money for the Come Home scholarship; the fund currently stands at $5,800.

“We need to have enough funds available to give prospective applicants an incentive to participate in this potentially great program,” Murray noted.

This scholarship fund, which is financed only through private donations, is designed to benefit fairly recent graduates who face student-loan debt. Grants are paid directly to the loan holder over a five-year period.

A traditional scholarship helps support a student only during post-high school education, whether it be a college or trade school.

“Maybe we could establish scholarships that not only help with higher- education costs but also pledge an amount for partial debt repayment if the student returns to one of our four counties,” Murray suggested. “This could be another incentive to ‘come home.’”

The state’s Rural Opportunity Zone program is the third prong in Murray’s campaign. ROZ offers incentives for new full-time residents, including up to $15,000 in student loan repayment assistance over five years.

New residents also may be eligible for a 100 percent personal state income-tax credit.

“As it stands now, only two of our four counties support ROZ,” Murray noted. “Pawnee contributes $1,500 and Rush $3,000. Since Barton and Stafford counties’ participation is determined by sponsorships, the amount involved is not readily available.

“I plan to visit with county commissioners, requesting they get behind this program. I also want to meet with city councils and school boards. We need to get young, educated people back into our communities.”

Murray complimented recent local efforts to attract people to central Kansas. These include increased daycare options and the Ignite Rural Business Competition.

“These are just a couple of examples of projects that add to the fabric of our community,” he commented. “But we need to enhance other efforts to bring people back home so they can take advantage of these attractions.

“We must recruit new residents who will add to our tax base and give something back. We must find ways to fight the brain drain.”

The focus should be on housing, schools, healthcare, food sources and infrastructure quality.

“Without these pillars, young people have a difficult time finding a viable reason to move here,” Murray commented. “We need to act before it is too late.”

The average age in rural communities is 51; in urban areas it is 46.

“This is a sign that rural communities are in danger of aging themselves into a downward spiral,” Murray said. “We need young leaders, educators and entrepreneurs to have a successful, sustainable future.

“We encourage individuals and businesses to be creative in figuring out how not to just hold on to what we have but how to thrive and build on opportunities for young people.”

At more than $30 million in total assets and more than 200 funds under

management, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708361613511.jpeg" alt="Jason Murray, GBCF executive director" />
 <figcaption>Jason Murray, GBCF executive director</figcaption>
 </figure>If a three-pronged wish-list could come true, Jason Murray believes a local scholarship program could be revived, while simultaneously, area residents would learn more about a state effort to curtail brain drain throughout Kansas.As executive director of the Golden Belt Community Foundation (GBCF), Murray is eager to re-invigorate the local Come Home Reverse Scholarship fund and spread the word about the Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ) program at the Kansas Department of Commerce.One of the three goals is to form a small task force in each of the four counties in GBCF’s service territory – Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford.“Ideally, we would have five people in each of these counties study the out-migration issue and spread the word in their communities,” Murray said. “We are recruiting government officials, business owners, and representatives of education and healthcare to share their time and expertise.“Task force members should be energetic and hungry to find a solution through ideas and action. They should be visionaries who can be held accountable for reaching goals.”A second priority is to raise money for the Come Home scholarship; the fund currently stands at $5,800.“We need to have enough funds available to give prospective applicants an incentive to participate in this potentially great program,” Murray noted.This scholarship fund, which is financed only through private donations, is designed to benefit fairly recent graduates who face student-loan debt. Grants are paid directly to the loan holder over a five-year period.Each award could be up to $10,000.A traditional scholarship helps support a student only during post-high school education, whether it be a college or trade school.“Maybe we could establish scholarships that not only help with higher- education costs but also pledge an amount for partial debt repayment if the student returns to one of our four counties,” Murray suggested. “This could be another incentive to ‘come home.’”Rural Opportunity Zone (ROZ)The state’s Rural Opportunity Zone program is the third prong in Murray’s campaign. ROZ offers incentives for new full-time residents, including up to $15,000 in student loan repayment assistance over five years.New residents also may be eligible for a 100 percent personal state income-tax credit.“As it stands now, only two of our four counties support ROZ,” Murray noted. “Pawnee contributes $1,500 and Rush $3,000. Since Barton and Stafford counties’ participation is determined by sponsorships, the amount involved is not readily available.“I plan to visit with county commissioners, requesting they get behind this program. I also want to meet with city councils and school boards. We need to get young, educated people back into our communities.”Murray complimented recent local efforts to attract people to central Kansas. These include increased daycare options and the Ignite Rural Business Competition.“These are just a couple of examples of projects that add to the fabric of our community,” he commented. “But we need to enhance other efforts to bring people back home so they can take advantage of these attractions.“We must recruit new residents who will add to our tax base and give something back. We must find ways to fight the brain drain.”The focus should be on housing, schools, healthcare, food sources and infrastructure quality.“Without these pillars, young people have a difficult time finding a viable reason to move here,” Murray commented. “We need to act before it is too late.”The average age in rural communities is 51; in urban areas it is 46.“This is a sign that rural communities are in danger of aging themselves into a downward spiral,” Murray said. “We need young leaders, educators and entrepreneurs to have a successful, sustainable future.“We encourage individuals and businesses to be creative in figuring out how not to just hold on to what we have but how to thrive and build on opportunities for young people.”At more than $30 million in total assets and more than 200 funds undermanagement, the Golden Belt Community Foundation has been connecting people who care to causes that matter since 1996. Golden Belt Community Foundation exists to provide non-profit organizations in central Kansas with a permanent source of support and to serve as a vehicle for charitable giving for donors. GBCF serves the counties of Barton, Pawnee, Rush, and Stafford. For more information about Golden Belt Community Foundation, call (620) 792-3000 or visit their website at www.goldenbeltcf.org.

GB Community Foundation starts campaign to fight brain drain

This is day 4 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.

With hot, dry wind blowing sideways, Kansas wheat producers are off and running in full harvest mode. While many growers are pleasantly surprised with better-than-anticipated results, severe hailstorms over Father’s Day weekend sunk the sail for others by mowing down ripened fields.

Officially, the Kansas wheat harvest is 28 percent complete, well ahead of 6 percent complete last year and 8 percent on average, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending June 16, 2024. Winter wheat conditions were rated at 25 percent poor to very poor, 36 percent fair and 39 percent good to excellent.

Backed by 50 mile-per-hour winds, six producers were steadily cutting around Bucklin in Edwards County on Monday, June 17, according to Josh Schmitt, general manager/CEO of Offerle Coop Grain &amp; Supply Co. After starting on June 6, the area is having a below average harvest, due primarily to a lack of spring moisture. Average yields are between 15 and 20 bushels per acre with the best fields hitting in the high 30s.&nbsp;

“This year, we came out of winter with really good optimism that we would have a pretty good harvest,” Schmitt said. “But the moisture did not come and yields are really seeing that.”&nbsp;

To add insult to injury, two really bad hailstorms mowed down wheat across the elevator’s western territory — particularly in a stretch from north of Bucklin almost to Spearville. This past Saturday’s storms came at almost the same date as a 2020 Father’s Day hailstorm that broke windows and damaged the coop’s Bellefont location.&nbsp;

That Bellefont location typically takes in between 750,000 to 900,000 bushels. But with the drought, the hailstorms and some freeze damage, Schmitt is hoping for between 120,000 and 150,000 bushels delivered before producers finish up cutting around July 1. The wheat that is coming in has good quality with test weights between 57 and 59 pounds per bushel and proteins averaging 13.5 percent.&nbsp;

The great white combine in the sky also ended harvest hopes for some in Ford County, where harvest is in full speed near Wright. But for folks whose fields caught spotty rains and avoided the three or four rounds of hail (more toward Spearville), harvest is looking better than projected in April, according to Blake Connelly, vice president — grain for Alliance Ag &amp; Grain, LLC.&nbsp;

As a result, Connelly reported there is no real consistency in yields, ranging from 15 to 60 bushels per acre, depending on if that field got moisture and missed hail. The wheat is of good quality, however, with test weights between 59 and 62 pounds per bushel and proteins averaging around 12 percent. He expects producers to continue cutting for the next week or so.&nbsp;

Further north in Ellis County, it’s a tale of two wheat crops, according to Eric Werth with the Golden Belt Coop Association. There are fields that germinated in the fall, looked like they would die, but made far enough to receive moisture and fill heads, and then there are fields that didn’t germinate until January or February and are still a week out from being ready to cut.&nbsp;

As a result, harvest has been slow to get going with trucks trickling into the elevator starting on Wednesday, June 12. The coop has received about 100,000 bushels so far, putting the harvest at 10 to 15 percent complete, as producers finish planting their fall milo crop and wait for those later fields to mature. Despite the year’s meteorological challenges, including random rains and some hit-or-miss hail, Werth noted the wheat coming in has good quality at 61.5 pounds per bushel and 11.8 percent moisture, on average. Low-end yields are around 20 bushels per acre with better fields hitting 40 to 50 bushels per acre.&nbsp;

“If we’re surprised this year, it’s on the good side from what we can see today,” Werth said. “From the start of things and with everything that this crop has had thrown at it, we are pleased so far.”&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718666780122.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>This is day 4 of the Kansas Wheat Harvest Reports, brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council.With hot, dry wind blowing sideways, Kansas wheat producers are off and running in full harvest mode. While many growers are pleasantly surprised with better-than-anticipated results, severe hailstorms over Father’s Day weekend sunk the sail for others by mowing down ripened fields.Officially, the Kansas wheat harvest is 28 percent complete, well ahead of 6 percent complete last year and 8 percent on average, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service crop progress report for the week ending June 16, 2024. Winter wheat conditions were rated at 25 percent poor to very poor, 36 percent fair and 39 percent good to excellent.Backed by 50 mile-per-hour winds, six producers were steadily cutting around Bucklin in Edwards County on Monday, June 17, according to Josh Schmitt, general manager/CEO of Offerle Coop Grain &amp; Supply Co. After starting on June 6, the area is having a below average harvest, due primarily to a lack of spring moisture. Average yields are between 15 and 20 bushels per acre with the best fields hitting in the high 30s.&nbsp;“This year, we came out of winter with really good optimism that we would have a pretty good harvest,” Schmitt said. “But the moisture did not come and yields are really seeing that.”&nbsp;To add insult to injury, two really bad hailstorms mowed down wheat across the elevator’s western territory — particularly in a stretch from north of Bucklin almost to Spearville. This past Saturday’s storms came at almost the same date as a 2020 Father’s Day hailstorm that broke windows and damaged the coop’s Bellefont location.&nbsp;That Bellefont location typically takes in between 750,000 to 900,000 bushels. But with the drought, the hailstorms and some freeze damage, Schmitt is hoping for between 120,000 and 150,000 bushels delivered before producers finish up cutting around July 1. The wheat that is coming in has good quality with test weights between 57 and 59 pounds per bushel and proteins averaging 13.5 percent.&nbsp;The great white combine in the sky also ended harvest hopes for some in Ford County, where harvest is in full speed near Wright. But for folks whose fields caught spotty rains and avoided the three or four rounds of hail (more toward Spearville), harvest is looking better than projected in April, according to Blake Connelly, vice president — grain for Alliance Ag &amp; Grain, LLC.&nbsp;As a result, Connelly reported there is no real consistency in yields, ranging from 15 to 60 bushels per acre, depending on if that field got moisture and missed hail. The wheat is of good quality, however, with test weights between 59 and 62 pounds per bushel and proteins averaging around 12 percent. He expects producers to continue cutting for the next week or so.&nbsp;Further north in Ellis County, it’s a tale of two wheat crops, according to Eric Werth with the Golden Belt Coop Association. There are fields that germinated in the fall, looked like they would die, but made far enough to receive moisture and fill heads, and then there are fields that didn’t germinate until January or February and are still a week out from being ready to cut.&nbsp;As a result, harvest has been slow to get going with trucks trickling into the elevator starting on Wednesday, June 12. The coop has received about 100,000 bushels so far, putting the harvest at 10 to 15 percent complete, as producers finish planting their fall milo crop and wait for those later fields to mature. Despite the year’s meteorological challenges, including random rains and some hit-or-miss hail, Werth noted the wheat coming in has good quality at 61.5 pounds per bushel and 11.8 percent moisture, on average. Low-end yields are around 20 bushels per acre with better fields hitting 40 to 50 bushels per acre.&nbsp;“If we’re surprised this year, it’s on the good side from what we can see today,” Werth said. “From the start of things and with everything that this crop has had thrown at it, we are pleased so far.”&nbsp;Check back in on Tuesday, June 18, for the next Kansas wheat harvest report as producers work to cut what they can ahead of projected heavy rainstorms.&nbsp;The 2024 Harvest Reports are brought to you by the Kansas Wheat Commission, Kansas Association of Wheat Growers, Kansas Grain and Feed Association and the Kansas Cooperative Council. To follow along with harvest updates, use&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001KdgvGeNG_L4NSWNE3EjJTVptNf1MNWO0kvQhL3YmhLeVLWzkQOTZnXwacRY9yP1efxodxXI6ORwxZVLWFMHBvIK16n-TH0egW4HkAV-lsLuEEwfho8cWrvSpNMAD2T1SFPOWPWUWH9yUYTxNd3aWo7yqD8MhmezQA2c6T563a98LmH0-luG0YC60PfngF1hXrs0JEJYwmrNTfwU_c15QpA2MJKZgGkcGGSsOdL0FPFI=&amp;c=2wM0Stq5Co7EMHbZCf0-9TjK_7jSEzxx-napccOmrO16gOAHo9dTTg==&amp;ch=WYDuTAhVhtqvLIj0_lFlhAqIgOFDP_tmPqUjMh6eLvapoy9zTBI5vw==" target="_blank">#wheatharvest24</a>&nbsp;on social media.&nbsp;Tag us at @kansaswheat on&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001KdgvGeNG_L4NSWNE3EjJTVptNf1MNWO0kvQhL3YmhLeVLWzkQOTZncQa7-t1rIMFfxPmJSbiVbmB7o7GWG7tlaNEdfyXewpaKgOeH0PIpKMkoTKWOSIwCa3tc2keGWH5_yIuiPOCjGX86k92rFf6ClVj6rA7Q7B-jjm6yeAJV7E=&amp;c=2wM0Stq5Co7EMHbZCf0-9TjK_7jSEzxx-napccOmrO16gOAHo9dTTg==&amp;ch=WYDuTAhVhtqvLIj0_lFlhAqIgOFDP_tmPqUjMh6eLvapoy9zTBI5vw==" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001KdgvGeNG_L4NSWNE3EjJTVptNf1MNWO0kvQhL3YmhLeVLWzkQOTZndRZ92eIgjVxvSg-2WJ-tMT4g4S1xRqJJvwQxep9ZafTVqhh1HgOBNwnTgkaMkdQt_VeukQa3ZgjYfJu6FStu8SWdyJMMZhFBFUj0yHgsdEN&amp;c=2wM0Stq5Co7EMHbZCf0-9TjK_7jSEzxx-napccOmrO16gOAHo9dTTg==&amp;ch=WYDuTAhVhtqvLIj0_lFlhAqIgOFDP_tmPqUjMh6eLvapoy9zTBI5vw==" target="_blank">Instagram</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://sfdzp7cab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001KdgvGeNG_L4NSWNE3EjJTVptNf1MNWO0kvQhL3YmhLeVLWzkQOTZnUgAKPEmCFx06mvR0hthp5Rm9luJVrFpFavCVlznnHqz9I_eJGZbbeUJaZ-DLewAzs_4AuzDoeyZJqmAC2aPAnz9-ypbcYMDuNkwTONJ703c&amp;c=2wM0Stq5Co7EMHbZCf0-9TjK_7jSEzxx-napccOmrO16gOAHo9dTTg==&amp;ch=WYDuTAhVhtqvLIj0_lFlhAqIgOFDP_tmPqUjMh6eLvapoy9zTBI5vw==" target="_blank">Twitter</a>&nbsp;to share your harvest story and photos.Written by Julia Debes for Kansas Wheat

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