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Missouri farmers report tough fallCAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP)--Southeastern Missouri crop and dairy farmers are reporting a tough fall. Dairy farmers have struggled with prices, while weather has affected other crops. Oak Ridge Dairy producer John Schoen reports a 35 percent decline in profits compared to October 2008. "We've been able to produce plenty of milk, but it's been difficult to sell my milk and make a profit at the same time,'' said Schoen, whose farm has about 190 head of cattle. "It's becoming a case where the consumer has backed off some on how much dairy products they buy.'' Farmers receive about $1 from each gallon of milk sold, compared to $1.90 a gallon last year. According to the Missouri Farm Bureau's study of 16 staple food items, the grocery-store price for a gallon of whole milk decreased 82 cents from last year. Farmers report cutting back on capital expenditures. "Anytime you have any kind of a business, there will always be peaks and valleys,'' Schoen said. "I've been in business long enough to weather the situation, whether it's good or bad.'' Crop farmers have had to contend with delayed harvests because of ample rainfall and cool weather. While yields have been great for most crops, muddy fields have made it impossible to harvest them, said Dr. William J. Wiebold, a University of Missouri Extension specialist in soybean and corn management. The National Weather Service said Cape Girardeau has received 7.31 inches of rain, or about 4.84 inches above average since Oct. 1. "Cool temperatures slow water evaporation from the soil and grain,'' Wiebold said. "Wet corn grain will increase drying costs or further delay harvest.'' Farmers are considering delaying the corn harvest to reduce drying costs. The Missouri Department of Agriculture's latest report said harvest for most crops statewide was about two weeks behind. Ninety-one percent of Southeast Missouri's corn harvest is complete, compared to 95 percent this time last year.
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