For some, the 2016 wheat harvest is underway and for others it is in the near future. Either way, it is time for all of us to take care on area roadways.

Imagine if you had to wait and watch as your major payday of the whole year was setting outside, wait while the weather service warned of thunderstorms and hail that could demolish a whole year’s work.

That is what is going on for farmers all across Kansas right now, only there’s a lot more than just hail for them to worry about.

There are all sorts of things that can still go wrong to either harm this year’s wheat crop, or to create problems with getting that crop out of the field. And every problem that comes up means that much less profit that is realized.

It is certainly a make or break time, as Kansas farmers work to bring in almost 20 percent of the national wheat crop.

A couple of years ago, according to state statistics, Kansas crops created cash receipts in excess of $12 billion and the export of Kansas ag products were valued at almost $5 billion.

Any way you want to cut it, that’s a big chunk of change.

So it is understandable, why farmers are currently trying to make more hours in the day.

In the process of getting everything set for this crucial harvest, they are moving a lot of equipment and you may find yourself behind them, or having to stop for them. But that is OK. Just be patient.

What they are doing is crucially important to this community and it certainly won’t hurt any of us to give them a minute or two. It’s a great time to slow down and watch the harvest process, and the last thing farmers need is someone trying to rush them while they are moving equipment.

Drivers need to watch out for them and be understanding.

It is vital to them and to our community, that the harvest gets in.

— Dale Hogg