Kingfisher County wheat fields are looking better at this stage than they have in a long time, Extension Agricultural Agent Bryan Kennedy says.

Adequate moisture and good growing conditions have put small grain fields in top shape.

Kennedy advises that producers need to watch fields closely to determine if a fungicide treatment will be necessary.

While the moisture has provided good growing conditions, it also has produced conditions favorable for fungi.

He noted that some fields are not as vulnerable as others because of built-in resistance bred in to some varieties.

Technology has advanced so much in recent years and many varieties have built-in disease protection packages, Kennedy said.

At $4 wheat prices producers are careful about adding input costs to the crop.

Kennedy said the current favorable crop conditions could all change quickly if the weather turns off hot and dry before harvest.

He also pointed out the risk of other weather patterns, such as hail – always a risk at this time of year.

“Farming is always a risky business,” he added.

Much of the county’s wheat is in the “boot” stage at this point, but Kennedy predicted it will be several days before most fields begin heading out. Canola fields spotted around the county are in full golden bloom.

Kingfisher County got another shot of rain Wednesday night and Thursday morning in widely varied amounts, from under .1 inch at the CHS Elevator in Okarche to a total of .79 inch at the National Weather Service Station in Kingfisher.

Kingfisher Weather Observer Steve Loftis recorded .75 inch at 7 a.m. Thursday and another .04 inch at 7 a.m. Friday.

Other county reports included .2 inch at the Bob Alig farm west of Okarche, five-eighths inch at the Cashion Grain and Feed Elevator, one-half inch at the Rick and Robin Johnston residence northwest of Dover and at the Jon Cochran residence at Loyal, and .65 inch at the Harold Eber residence near Hennessey. Mike Reid, northwest of Okarche recorded .4 inch.

The system that brought the local moisture appeared centered in the north and northwest areas of the state with more southerly areas left out.

Mesonet readings included: Kingfisher .74, Watonga .66, Marshall .40, Guthrie .56, Yukon .72, El Reno 0, Weatherford .07, Erick .34, Elk City .23, Minco .02, Chickasha .04, Bessie .10 inch, Alva .69 and Medford .82 inch.

Heavier amounts included Cheyenne 1.59, Slapout 1.41 and Cherokee 1.52 inches.