Area farmers are breathing a little better now that it is a little wetter.
Low snowfalls and a dry spring led to low soil moisture levels in the area. This week’s rain has boosted the confidence of some farmers who are now waiting to get their equipment on the land.
Starland County Ag Fieldman Al Hampton said many in the area reported getting close to an inch of moisture.
“At this stage of the game this is really good,” said Hampton. “Now if it is shut off for the next month, everyone will be happy.”
It is still early in the season, however Hampton said a few people in the Delia, Verdant Valley and even the Rowley area have gotten a little bit of seeding done. He figures that less than 1 per cent has been planted. Most is peas and some early wheat.
“Full-blown seeding won’t start until it dries up a bit,” said Hampton.
“I think the moisture we got has gone to a good cause. I think people are more confident putting seed into the ground than they were a few weeks ago,” said Hampton.
Bruce Sommerville, Ag Fieldman for Kneehill County, said the moisture will go a long way to getting even germination.
“All the seed should come up even,” he said.
He said a few of the larger operations had a few crops in the ground so far, but most will be waiting until the ground dries to get their equipment out.
Sommerville expects more moisture and says it is needed, but it also closes farmers’ window of opportunity.
“Ten days from now if they are not started they will be getting concerned,” he said.
