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Farmers Glad of Extra Rain in Early Spring

Wikimedia Commons

By Angela Hatton

Mayfield, KY – Agriculture officials say heavy rain in the past several weeks won't negatively affect the planting season in Western Kentucky. The National Weather Service reports the region has received nearly ten inches of rain since February 1. Graves County Ag Extension Agent Kenny Perry says farmers won't be planting for at least another three weeks. He says right now, they're glad of the rain.

"Because we were so short in rainfall last year. We ended the year about 12 inches below normal, and up until, I think it was about probably the middle of February when it finally started raining, we were 2 inches below normal for this year."

Perry says if rain continues, farmers may have to delay putting treatment on their soil before planting. He adds most farmers in the region are used to irregular weather in the spring, and have strategies for getting planting done quickly.