By Staff
Farmers face damaged crops, forests get relief
By LISA TINDELL, Managing editor
Weeds and insects are just some of the problems facing farmers in this area as a result of the recent heavy rains, according to Olin Farrior, County Agent with the Escambia County Extension Office in Brewton.
With Escambia County receiving above normal rainfall this summer wheat crops have been badly damaged, according to Farrior. Also as a result of excessive rainfall farmers were unable to get into the fields to do planting of some crops on time.
Farrior also said that with late planting of some crops this will cause the maturation to come later in the season.
Although rainfall has been a problem, statistics on crops have indicated that some harvests will be up from last years yields.
Sparks did state that hay production should remain level with yields from last year.
While the excessive rainfalls have been somewhat of a problem with farmers, foresters have seen good results as a result of the additional waterfall.
Cannon also stated that the rainfall has kept the population of pine beetles to a minimum this season.
There is one aspect of too much rain that concerns those in the forestry business, Cannon said.
Cannon indicated that with the exception of pine trees, most trees in the Forrest have a minimum root depth.
The Escambia County area is expected to continue receiving rainfall through the coming week. According to weather forecasters the area will see rain chances from 30 to 50 percent through the end of this week.