HUTCHINSON, Kan. — The flooding has caused some damage to a maturing wheat crop, but things might not be as bad as they look.

Darren Busick with the Reno County Extension Office says the wheat is filling out and, although the water may stint some of that growth, things are still looking good. “We may have a few mud holes, but other than that it is still pretty good,” Busick said.

The area had nearly 7 inches of rain last week covering many fields. The flooding comes as the county is expected to see a smaller harvest because fewer acres were planted. How much the flood further lowers those numbers will not be known for awhile.

Currently, the winter wheat condition is rated at 11% poor to very poor, 33% fair, 43% good, and 13% excellent. Winter wheat jointed was 89%, ahead of 84% last year.

Headed was 35%, well behind 64% for the five-year average.