Farm veteran lamenting his actions: Forced to torch harvest ruined by excessive summer downpours
Kansas Farmer Burns Part of Wheat Crop Due to Excessive Rainfall
In Harper County, Kansas, farmer Adam Blanchat has made the difficult decision to burn part of his wheat crop this summer. The excessive rainfall the region has received this season has taken a toll on Blanchat's land, forcing him to take drastic measures.
Initially, the excess rainfall was a blessing, providing much-needed moisture to Blanchat's parched fields. However, as the rain continued to pour, it became clear that the conditions were not beneficial for the farmer's crops.
Blanchat, who normally prays for rain, found himself struggling to harvest his wheat crop due to strong winds laying it flat and the field becoming too muddy for his combines to navigate. Despite attempting to harvest at least five times, Blanchat was unable to salvage the crop.
The wheat had started to spoil, rendering it unusable for consumers. With no other options, Blanchat was left with no choice but to burn his crop as a last resort. The decision was a difficult one for the farmer, who stated that it was one of the saddest things he's ever had to do.
Despite the setback, Blanchat is already looking forward to next year's crop. He documented his decision to burn his wheat crop on his TikTok account, sharing videos of the burning crop with his followers.
Harper County received a total of 17 inches of rainfall this summer, which is three inches above average. This excess rainfall has caused problems for other farmers in the region as well, with many struggling to harvest their crops due to the adverse conditions.
Despite the challenges, Blanchat remains optimistic about the future of his farm and is already making plans for next year's crop. He hopes that the weather will be more favourable and that he will be able to reap a bountiful harvest.