drought

Dourght Slows Farm Income Growth Down In First Quarter

Associated Press — Thu, 16 May 2013 11:29:43 +0000

The Federal Reserve says farm income growth slowed across the Plains and western states in the first quarter, as costs increased and the drought lingered.

Bankers expect farm income to weaken further in the region during the second quarter.

Wichita Fountains Could Dry Up This Summer

Associated Press — Mon, 06 May 2013 11:32:52 +0000

A drought-induced water shortage could force Wichita officials to idle the city's fountain systems this summer.

City Manager Robert Layton says water use across all city operations is under review.

City officials say Cheney Reservoir could dry up by mid-2015 if the drought continues, and the city would no longer have enough water to meet demand if that happens.

Kansas Wheat Tour Forecasts Smaller Harvest Than 2012, But Larger than 2011

Associated Press — Fri, 03 May 2013 11:32:28 +0000

Participants in the Kansas wheat quality tour have forecast the state will harvest 313 million bushels despite drought and freezes.

Ranch Tour Will Focus On Drought, Cattle Grazing

Associated Press — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:43:58 +0000

Kansas farm groups will host a ranch tour next month, focusing on drought and how to best manage resources in the upcoming grazing season.

The tour will take place on May 11 at the Ted Alexander Ranch, 19 miles west of Medicine Lodge.

The Alexander ranch covers 7,000 acres in the heart of the Red Hills in Barber County. The operation typically stocks between 500 and 700 cow-calf pairs or 2,500 yearlings on a rotational grazing method.

April Showers Reducing Drought In Some Areas

Stephen Koranda — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:24:20 +0000

Eastern Kansas has been running above average for rainfall during April, which is improving drought conditions in some areas. Mary Knapp is the state climatologist.

Kan. Farmers Welcome Rain, Start Planting Spring Crops

Associated Press — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 11:22:46 +0000

Kansas farmers are getting ready to seed their spring crops, with a few fields of corn already planted in eastern sections.

The latest report by the Kansas Agricultural Statistics Service also said spring calving is nearly finished in the state. Livestock producers are still worried about having enough stock water. Supplies are reported as "adequate" in just 36 percent of Kansas.

Top Morning News 4.4.13

Briana O’Higgins and Kate Clause — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 10:33:13 +0000

Lawmakers need more time for income tax deal; Additions could be made to anti-aboriton bill; Three men arrested in synthetic marijuana scheme.

Kansas Tax Deal On Hold

Negotiators for the Kansas House and Senate say agreement on a plan for more cuts in income taxes is unlikely until May.

More...

Lawmakers Adding To Sweeping Anti-Abortion Measure

How Should Wichita Respond To Drought?

Carla Eckels — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 13:21:51 +0000

The city of Wichita has scheduled six public meetings to get input from residents on how to respond to prolonged drought conditions. Officials want to gather information about how people are being affected by the drought and to generate ideas for extending the water supply.

“We’re looking for water utility customers, both residential and business, to weigh in on the issue,” said Ben Nelson, strategic services manager for Wichita's Public Works and Utilities.

Panel Addresses Questions About Wichita's Water Future

Carla Eckels — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:55:35 +0000

A Water Usage and Conservation meeting was held Tuesday at Wichita’s Central Library, organized by the League of Women Voters. A three-member panel addressed questions about the future of Wichita's water supply including concerns about Cheney Reservoir.

Cheney provides 60 percent of the city's water supply and if the drought continues is projected to run dry by August 2015.

“We are going into a three year drought," says Ben Nelson, Strategic Services Manager for Wichita’s Public Works & Utilities Department.

Top Morning News 3.05.13

Briana O’Higgins and Kate Clause — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:18:18 +0000

Lawmakers to consider bill that limits teacher's bargaining rights; Man enters plea in Wichita child exploitation case; Workshop teaches digital skills.

Lawmakers To Take Up Bill That Would Limit Teacher Bargaining

Kansas legislators are considering major changes in a state law governing contract negotiations between teachers and school districts. The state's largest teacher's union is calling it a "war" on educators.

More...