Area Farmers Speculate About the Drought’s Effects on Future Growing Season

By: Mary Balstad marybalstad@rjbroadcasting.com

Fosston, MN – The past week has delivered some much needed rain to area farmers. After a summer of an unprecedented drought, any chance of moisture is welcome. Mike Roysland spoke about the effects of rainfall on the current area crops. Along with speculation about how this late rainfall may effect next season’s planting and harvest, the quality of the soil is a major concern among producers. Without proper moisture, the dry soil could effect the yield of this year’s harvest. The current forecast of rain leaves many farmers hopeful that the soil will be replenished in time for the harvest.

Despite the challenging conditions, many crops have managed to whether these obstacles. With only a week out until harvest, some crops such as the soybean fields, have survived the dry soil and hot temperatures. However, farmers will not know the full extent of the drought until they start harvesting.

Area farmers hope that the consistent rainfall will continue. The full effects of the summer drought will most likely be seen after fall harvest is complete.