Many fields were obviously abandoned or already torn up. More defined estimates of the number of acres abandoned were attained from personal encounters with producers, elevator and Co-op operators, and loan advisors. One producer out of Dighton, KS in Lane County told tour participants he had torn up all of his 1000 acres of wheat. A crop tour observanant questioned Eldon Thiessen of Kansas Ag Statistics Service about how abandoned acreage would be considered in the formula used by tour participants and how that would effect the final estimated yield. Participants were reminded that the final estimate is derived from what they have observed over the past three days, including abandoned acreage, which should be estimated to the best of their abilities.
Intuition is the final factor.
Average yield was estimated at 31.7 bushels per acre, 9.7 bushels less than the 2000 average of 41.4 bushels per acre calculated on day two of the 2000 tour. After two days of the tour, the crop was estimated at 32.1 bushels, derived from 438 stops. Last year estimate after two days was projected at 41.1 bushels from 434 stops. Very dry soil was noted in the western portion of the state, progressing into adequate moisture further east. Stages varied from flag to fully headed wheat, with most of the wheat headed-out west of Dodge City to Witchita.