Kingfisher County wheat farmers are facing continued major problems in harvesting their crop.

“The next 30 days are going to be challenging,” Kingfisher County Extension Director/Agricultural Educator Bryan Kennedy said Tuesday.

Kennedy estimated the local harvest is “maybe – and that’s a big maybe” 20% complete.

On top of the rain problems already present, Kennedy said local forecasts are calling for more rain.

The challenges to the harvest are manifold.

The ripe wheat fields are facing potentially decreased weight and quality drops from the excess of moisture.

Additionally weeds and grass seeds that had lain dormant in the fields due to drought have sprouted and may force spraying to facilitate clean harvested grain.

Another potential problem could be sprouting seed in the mature grain heads, which would reduce the quality to livestock feed value.

“Our farmers will persevere,” Kennedy added in a tone that indicated it may not be fun.

“It’s going to take time and perseverance,” he added.

He predicted that local residents may see many spray planes flying in the area in coming days.

The availability of custom harvesters also may become critical.

Kennedy said the wheat is ripening north of here and the custom harvesters may have obligations to those producers.