Wheat farmers plant in dry ground

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- Some Oklahoma wheat farmers admit they are taking a chance.

They are responding to the drought by planting in dry ground, a method known as dusting-in wheat, and it's not the preferred method.

But many need the wheat pasture for grazing cattle and say they will now wait and hope rains come.

The key to success for dusted-in wheat is a good rain.

A small shower will cause the wheat to sprout but not provide enough moisture for growth.

If that happens the wheat will have to be planted again.

Oklahoma State grains specialist Gene Krenzer says the situation is not as bad for farmers who grow wheat for grain.

Krenzer says those farmers grow wheat for harvest rather than pasture and they still have time to wait for rain before putting seed into the ground.