Wichita ? Combines have begun rolling over the first fields of winter wheat in south-central Kansas.

Early reports show good quality crops with decent test weights and protein levels even, though yields are expected to be down amid drought conditions. Farmers typically cut their best fields first.

Justin Gilpin at Kansas Wheat said Monday the wheat is so far along that within a week harvest activity will have begun as far north as Salina and out as far west as Hays.

The OK Co-op elevator in Kiowa has received about 30 percent of the crop with test weights averaging 62 pounds a bushel. At the Farmers Co-op in Wellington test weights are coming in at 61 to 63 pounds per bushel.

South Haven started cutting Friday and Sumner County started cutting Saturday.