TROY, TEXAS — The extensive rain in Central Texas for the last few weeks is causing some concerns to area farmers who will be harvesting their crops soon.
According to Texas Farm Bureau Commodity and Regulatory Activities Brant Wilbourn, some producers have delayed planting of cotton. If the rain continues, it will become a concern because that crop needs to be planted this month.
In addition, some areas corn is showing signs of stress from being underwater for an extended period of time. This could reduce the number of yields and ultimately reduce revenues for farmers.
Robert Fleming, who owns Fleming Grain and Cattle in Troy, said his wheat, corn and hay crop are in good shape right now. However, it could become an issue if the same rain pattern continues.
"We need to start cutting hay. With the rain and everything how it is, you can't do anything. We are behind on that but as far as growing it, it's great. We need to get into the fields and get some forage cut and rolled up so we can go on with the next phase of our operation," Fleming said.
Currently, he and other farmers in McLennan and Bell counties can't do field work, such as adding fertilizer, because of the wet conditions.
"We need timely rain from here on out. We are still going to need some beneficial rain this summer. It can't forget how to rain in June or July or we will have another bad year," Fleming said.
Last summer, farmers lost significant revenue because of reduced yields caused by the drought.
