The warmer winter coupled with extended dry periods have lowered expectations for some as wheat harvest in Douglas County nears.

“There will be some fields halfway decent, but overall, I don’t look for a very good crop,” said Douglas County extension agent Bill Wood.

Wheat is not a major crop in the county, and Wood said he anticipated the returns would match pessimistic yields from southern Kansas.

Since 1999, the county has averaged about 7,000 acres of wheat planted, with yields generally about 45 bushels per acre, Wood said.

“It will definitely be less than that. How far, I’m not sure … I hope it’s better than half, but some fields won’t be probably half,” he said.

Warmer temperatures in January caused some wheat to grow sooner, but drier conditions could have stunted its growth, Wood said.

Farmers are expected to start cutting within a week, which is one to two weeks sooner than normal, Wood said.

Steve Wilson, owner of Baldwin Feed Co., said he expects the first test loads at the grain elevator possibly either today or Saturday. Within a week, more farmers in the area should get rolling, he said.

Wilson said he anticipates a decent yield.

“I would like to think it would be better than that around here, but it’s really hard to say,” Wilson said of the reports from southern Kansas.

He said he has heard one report about wheat heads appearing to be a little short, but that he will wait before he makes a judgment.

“It’s really hard to tell just yet until the combines get in the field,” Wilson said.