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Friday, May 6, 2011

Heavy spring rain delays planting, food prices could rise



Local farmers are having a bit of a struggle this spring after West Michigan was pounded with rain and cold weather.

Local farmers tell us the cold and wet weather has pushed back their planting and could cause a delay in the harvest and even a jump in the prices you pay.

If you look at most area fields you'll find they are underwater or have large puddles in them, which means farmers have been unable to get out to plant or even prep the fields.

The weather is affecting all types of farmers.




When it comes to livestock, with grass underwater animals can't graze in the fields, which means farmers have had to bring food in, increasing the price.

When it comes to planting most farmers in the area are about three weeks behind, which will push the harvest back in the fall and could compromise some crops.

The delay is already having an impact on corn prices, but local farmers say planting now could ruin their fields.

"Any little dip in anything and the price of gas goes up and that's, you know, corn is the same way. Any weather related issue, it all follows that," said farmer Scott Oswalt.

Farmers say that corn prices are similar to gas prices. Any issue and the price is passed along to consumers.

Local farmers say as soon as we get a stretch of three or four warm days with no rain they will likely be out in the fields 24 hours a day to get everything planted as quickly as possible.

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