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Rain hinders, helps
Several days of rain could have an affect on soybean and cotton, just as farmers are preparing to pull their crops in from the field.
Franklin Parish agriculture consultant Buckshot Sims said he has concerns cotton could take a hit because of the weather.
"The main thing right now is the quality and grade of the cotton," said Sims. "I'm sure we'll be getting a little boll rot."
LSU AgCenter's Carol Pinnell-Alison added the current state of weather is "the same pattern."
"Some folks got rain, some folks didn't," said Pinnell-Alison. "But right now, from an agriculture harvest standpoint with rice, soybeans and cotton, it would be better if it stayed dry."
Rain estimates across the parish covered a wide range, from just under 1 hundredth of an inch to almost an inch.
However, the rain has been steady and soaking, not in short bursts, which has left the ground wet and increased humidity throughout the region.
Pinnell-Alison said the humidity might be the worst enemy during this harvist.
"If the soybeans are ready to harvest, even if the soil is dry, the combines can't operate well because of the humidity," Pinnell-Alison said.
Sims said soybean producers are concerned, but so far without harm.
"We aren't hurt bad yet, but this needs to move on out of here," Sims said.
For cotton, the issue of inclement weather is much more pressing.
Farmers have some $5.5 million invested in cotton acres, much of which is waiting to be harvested. The longer the rain hangs around, the more damage that will be done to the bolls.
"Our profit is just being eaten up in the field," Sims said.
Across the parish, farmers are turning their attention to the sky, looking for the same thing.
Fairer weather may be a ways off, however. Current forecasts call for scattered thundershowers to continue for another ten days. |
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