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Planting decisions for abandoned wheat
Dr. Victor Martin
Updated: May 12, 2023, 8:00 PM
Published: May 12, 2023, 8:01 PM

The drought monitor report as of Tuesday, May 9 indicates exceptional drought in our area with really no change from last week. The storm/rains from Tuesday on aren’t reflected in this report. Some parts of Western Kansas will likely show improved conditions but being in exceptional drought aren’t out of the woods or anywhere near it. As of Thursday, when this was written our area has received rains along with hail and wind but rainfall totals are all over. The six to ten-day outlook (May 16 to 20) indicates a normal to slightly below normal temperature outlook and a normal to a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation. The eight to 14-day outlook (May 18 to 24) indicates a similar temperature outlook and a 33 to 40% chance of leaning to above normal precipitation. Normal precipitation would be approximately an inch for the period. Normal temperatures will allow newly emerged crops a chance to establish a root system with available moisture.

For the past while, insurance adjusters have been out evaluating the area’s winter wheat crop. Many fields had estimated yields of five bushels per acre or less. Some fields will have enough yield to harvest but fair at best. Even irrigated wheat suffered. So, what are the options with these “abandoned” acres. Part of this depends on how a producer evaluates the precipitation for the 2023 growing. Another part is examining herbicide protocols and any possible herbicide carryover concerns. There are options so let’s briefly examine these. First, under most circumstances with as thin as the wheat stands are, try to do everything to avoid tillage. To destroy what little wheat is there and any potential weed concerns, herbicides are a better option.

• Some will try to bale what wheat is there for hay. It won’t be much for most fields and the quality will be fair at best but feed is in very short supply.

• If moisture conditions improve, grain sorghum is probably the best option. Probably an early-medium to medium maturity sorghum is the best bet as they need less water. It’s growing late for corn and dryland corn is riskier than milo. Plus, unless planting a very short season corn, the crop will be flowering and trying to fill grain during the worst part of summer. If the crop even has enough water to stand a chance to produce a viable ear.

• Soybeans are also an option if you have enough soil moisture to get them out of the ground. Their peak moisture usage is later than corn and a bit later than milo but still pretty risky.

• Probably the best option, especially if the producer is set up for it or needs feed, is producing feed. With the hay/decent pasture shortage there is a strong market even if the producer doesn’t have cattle. The advantage is you aren’t concerned about grain or beans. You should be aware of possible elevated nitrate levels and have it tested. Sudan grass, sorghum X sudan crosses and even hybrid pearl millet (it’s more drought tolerant and while production is lower than other options, it also has a much better leaf to stem ration).  

• We should also add sunflowers here, however, input costs, especially insecticides are there and transporting/marketing can be a challenge.


Dr. Victor L. Martin is the agriculture instructor/coordinator for Barton Community College. He can be reached at 620-792-9207, ext. 207, or martinv@bartonccc.edu.
Dirks fills new safety/security coordinator position at The Center
Jerry Dirks - The Center 2025
Jerry Dirks, originally from Albert, is the new safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation. He brings 34 years of public service to the job.
Published: Apr 1, 2025, 10:00 PM

The first full-time safety/security coordinator at The Center for Counseling & Consultation, 5815 Broadway Ave., is relying on his 34 years of public service to “ensure the safety of our clients and staff.”

Jerry Dirks has served as a safety officer, special investigator, deputy sheriff, police officer, assistant chief and correctional officer at many entities throughout central Kansas. He also has experience with fire safety and Emergency Medical Services.

“This type of background is a good fit for this new position and I am glad to be of service to The Center,” Dirks said. “I have known for years about its solid reputation as a great community resource because of their many services for those who face behavioral-health issues.”

Responsibilities in the position include analyzing electronic cameras and updating when necessary; risk management; staff safety training; oversight of transportation safety; fire drills and inspections; and guidance for clients and staff during inclement weather.

Dirks noted that he eagerly accepts these responsibilities and also is “glad to again be working with a team face to face.”

His most recent position was special investigator for the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission, which entailed working out of a home office most of the time.

“I think of myself as a people person and enjoy teaming up with my new colleagues,” Dirks commented. “My experience working with all types of personalities will help me in this new job.

“Also, I still have contacts with local law enforcement and fire officials. I look forward to collaborating with them about all types of safety issues.”

Dirks earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Barton Community College and a bachelor’s in business administration at National College in Kansas City, Mo.

He is certified in first aid and CPR.

Wendy Lockwood, executive director at The Center, noted the safety/security position is especially important now that The Center “is growing in the number of clients and number of services we offer. Since we are a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, we provide not only various therapies and medication, but have also expanded community-based services such as housing, employment and veterans’ support services.

“It is gratifying to have Jerry here to coordinate all our safety efforts as we strive to meet the community’s needs in collaboration with our many partners. Jerry’s extensive background at the local and state levels will be invaluable to us every day.”

The Center for Counseling & Consultation, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, 5815 Broadway in Great Bend, serves Barton, Pawnee, Rice and Stafford counties. Professionally trained personnel offer: individual and group therapy; marriage and family counseling; community-support services; community-based services; psychosocial rehabilitation; peer support; and medication management. The confidential 24/7 crisis hotline number is 800-875-2544.