Weather delays planting but crops better than past few years

Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Sam Atwell, agronomy specialist for New Madrid County University of Missouri Extension and Southeast Region, looks at the wheat crop in a field near New Madrid. Wheat lodged in many fields throughout the area following recent high winds and heavy rainfall. Even so, Atwell said the crop is still faring well. (Photo by Leonna Heuring, Staff)

leonnah@standard-democrat.com

SIKESTON -- Cooler temperatures and heavy rainfall this spring have delayed planting times by nearly a month for Southeast Missouri farmers.

Even so, local agriculture experts aren't ruling out a good crop this year.

"Overall, we're late. The crops are backed up a bit because of cool weather early and wet weather. However, we're probably closer to a normal year than we've had in a while," said Sam Atwell, agronomy specialist and New Madrid County program director for New Madrid County's University of Missouri Extension and the Southeast region.

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