Wet fields slow spring farm work

The wet cool spring and continuing rainfall has some farmers worried about when they may be able to get into their muddy fields and begin planting. The 2 to 3 inches of rain in the early part of the week has not helped matters any, and a forecast of more rain later in the week will only compound the problem.

Bob Morgan, of Sheldon, had planned to begin planting his beans about the tenth of May but now thinks he may have to put that date off. Morgan said, "my ground is kind of sandy, I might be able to get in there." If we don't recieve any more significant rain during the week Morgan said, "I'm going to try and start working ground next week." However, when it comes time to plant, he said he may have to do it, "when I can."

This isn't just a local problem. A check with the national weather service shows that high water and flooding is a statewide issue with flood warnings posted for 43 of Missouri's 114 counties. Not only does all of this affect planting and possibly the upcoming haying season, it also has a direct affect on some of the projects funded by the soil and water conservation service. This agency helps fund projects like building terraces or waterways to prevent runoff and erosion.

Many of the things they assist with involve moving large amounts of dirt, so wet ground brings them to a standstill. Some of the Vernon County farmers and ranchers who utilize the services of this agency began projects last year. Some have projects that should be starting right now, but "they can't get in to finish projects that were begun last year or started this year," said Rocky Steiger of the Vernon County Soil and Water Conservation Service.