Tagged: drought

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.

But land values continued to increase in the first quarter on top of several years of significant growth. Cropland values rose 20 percent over 2012, and ranchland values grew 14 percent.

The 10th Federal Reserve District covers Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Colorado, northern New Mexico and western Missouri.

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.

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

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.