Across south-central Kansas, wheat harvest is in full swing with combines rolling in almost every wheat field.

And the news is good: better than expected yields, better than expected quality. Keep in mind, however, that expectations were pretty low, given the drought stress that most of this year's crop has suffered.

Judy Casner, who is completing her 52nd harvest with her husband, Jack, in Sumner County said they have had yields from 20 to 50 bushels. But their bests harvests on their land in Eden Township -- the top producing township in Sumner County, which in turn is the top-producing wheat county in the United States, are more like 70 to 80 bushels.

In harder hit parts of the state, especially the western third of the state, there has been little to no harvest. In the northern tier, where wheat had looked at least somewhat decent, recent flooding has taken an enormous toll.

Still, despite the setbacks and the challenges, it's wheat harvest and it's magic. Be sure to check your July Kansas Farmer for a couple of stories about mainstream harvest and about the nostalgia that permeates this time of year,.