The current El Nino weather pattern is making it hard to predict the agriculture outlook for 2016.

Chuck Otte, Geary County Research and Extension Agent explained that at the moment the winter wheat crop is in very good shape, and the soil moisture condition is excellent.

“Some of the wheat could have used a little bit more size on it going into winter, but you know that is what it is, we’ve got good moisture and that’s a good thing,” said Otte. “So I’m very optimistic at this point in time about the winter wheat crop.”

But the rest of 2016 is a “wildcard” according to Otte, because of the El Nino weather pattern impacting the United States this year.

“We could have a real good round of corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum, or it could just wind up being a horrible drought year. It just depends on how fast the rain turns off.”

Otte went on to say that he remains very optimistic. Soil moisture is in excellent condition and he expects to have good grass growth in the pastures.

“All in all, the only down side is, prices are down.”