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Some farmers have too much rain
VERMILLION, S.D. (AP)--Some farmers in the southeast tip of the state need some dry weather so they can finish planting or replant corn and soybeans killed by too much water.
Some areas have received 12 inches of rain since May 6, said April Borders, Clay County Extension educator.
She said reports indicate 1,500 acres of corn and 1,000 acres of soybeans have flooded in the area.
"We're supposed to get another round of rain this week and there's been reports of the Vermillion River breaching its banks, so I'm expecting these estimates to rise," she said.
"Corn is mostly planted, so growers are really concerned about replanting, but most of the soybeans aren't in yet. The bigger issue there is farmers need to get to planting, but the fields are too wet to work in."
Borders organized a meeting June 7 where Extension Service experts gave advice on replanting options and crop insurance for flooded fields.
On average, said Extension crops specialist Robert Hall, corn, soybeans and small grains can withstand flooding for two to four days if the air temperature is cool. But even if the plants survive, there likely will be later problems with disease, fertility and herbicide performance, he said.
Hall said June 10 for corn and June 25 for soybeans are the latest dates for planting.
Another option is later-planted crops such as sunflowers, grain sorghum, dry edible beans, buckwheat, millets and forage crops.
Date: 6/23/04
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