RAIN HELPS AREA FARMERS
Tuesday, July 26th, 2005 -- 11:52 AM
It?s too early to say the drought is over, but the recent rainfall has been very beneficial. Clark County Crops and Soils Agent Nick Schneider told us last week that the area?s corn crop was starting to show the first signs of drought-stress and another week or two without rain could have been big trouble for area farmers. Well, Mother Nature came in right on time with rain on Saturday and a nice soaking rain Monday night. Most of the area received between an inch or two of rain, with southern portions of our listening area receiving 5 to 7-inches."It was very beneficial - especially this time of year when we are coming into pollination and silking," Schneider says. "It was timed really well."
This area?s moisture-holding soils help beat droughts naturally and Schneider believes the recent rain should go a long way to ensuring a good harvest.
"I think it's going to be pretty decent." Schneider says. "When you look at the soil types we have here in Clark County - they hold moisture pretty well."
"Another thing to consider is that we have a pretty extensive root system on those corn plants because they've been looking for moisture the past few weeks. I think we're sitting pretty well on moisture, at least for the next few weeks until we start filling out those kernels."
The National Weather Service in La Crosse is forecasting a mainly dry week with the next chance of rain coming on Saturday.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.