Drought and Wheat Growers Pt 1
I’m Bob Larson. With the lack of moisture in Eastern Washington this year, that’s creating the worst drought in many years, has all but dashed any hopes of a decent wheat harvest.
Michelle Hennings, Executive Director at the Washington Association of Wheat Growers, says the rain clouds have done nothing but tease us …
HENNINGS … “We were supposed to potentially receive some rain, I don’t know, a couple of weeks ago and we didn’t hardly get anything. So, I have counties, such as Benton County, Yakima, Klickitat, Walla Walla, and it’s just moving this way, but it’s getting to Adams County is starting to look bleak. The crops are just, it’s not going to be there because there’s no moisture.”
But those, Hennings says are the hardest hit areas …
HENNINGS … “Now, other areas, it’s looking okay, but you know we’re already into June and you figure harvest is anywhere from June to August depending on the area.”
So, are we looking at a total loss or diminished returns? …
HENNINGS … “You’re looking at both. You get into the Benton County area, Yakima, Klickitat, and they’re rainfall is 6 to 8 inches and they’re not getting any rainfall right now. So, you’re look at probably pretty much of a total loss of a crop there.”
Henning says some areas are past the point of no return, but others could still use even a little bit of rain.
Tune in tomorrow for more on our wheat growers dealing with the drought.
