July 2022

The 2022 wheat harvest was unusual with a wide range of yields in southcentral Kansas. In many cases, the quality of the wheat was better than the quantity. In the past, Stafford County has done well in the Market Wheat Show at the Kansas State Fair. Most recently with Bill Milton winning Grand Champion in 2021. For the 2022 Stafford County Fair, there were a total of 14 samples entered in the county Market Wheat Show. The scores of these samples were unusually high, with six samples grading higher than 800 points. The protein levels of the samples were very good with a high of 16.9%.

The Rotary Club of Pratt wrapped up the last quarter of its Centennial Year continuing to provide community support and service to several Pratt County organizations. In April, the club conducted a month-long service project for the Pratt County Food Bank. Members were asked to donate designated food items, which were collected at each weekly meeting. Members could also make a monetary donation to the Food Bank on behalf of Rotary. The generosity of the members resulted in raising $402 and 167 pounds of food. On behalf of the club, members Jack Galle, Don Hommertzheim, Lisa Perez-Miller, Suzan Patton, and Darrell Shumway visited the Pratt County Food Bank and presented the donated food and a check to Food Bank Board Member Diana Harris.

The Kiowa County Free Fair is taking place this week in Greensburg. Events started on Saturday, July 16 at the Triangle Rodeo Grounds. The usual events followed with livestock and building check-ins on Monday, July 18 and a pedal tractor pull that evening. Tuesday, July 19, brought the swine show in the morning, a 4:30 p.m. fashion review, and the beef show in the evening. Wednesday event headlines included Kids Day events, sheep and goat shows, and a Ranch Rodeo in the evening. Thursday plans include cinnamon rolls, round robin livestock showmanship, the annual 4-H livestock auction and a watermelon feed. On Friday it’s all over after the 9 a.m. to noon cleanup time.