How does the weather this year affect farmers? Lots of ways.
First, planting is delayed this year. Farmers cannot plant in cold, wet soils and we’ll need Mother Nature to cooperate a bit more before that situation changes. While it is still very early in the season, and there is plenty of time for soils to dry out, it has delayed plans for many .
Heating bills, of course, are through the roof. We try to keep our use of fossil fuels low on the farm but cold days and even colder nights means the heaters are running more than we would like.
Finally, I’m a little grumpier. I don’t mind winter terribly but I do look forward to some warm, calm days. As soon as one of those hits, we’ll be roaring to go.