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Flooding could cause more than headaches for consumers
Posted: 05.19.2011 at 2:42 PM
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Few people want to see the wet weather go away more than farmers.

The soaking, saturating rains have really put a dent in the planting season and could force farmers to have to replant meaning crop prices could go even higher.

Farmers say it's better than a drought, but barely. They're hoping for a good start to the growing season and have already put a lot in.

"Locally, our corn crop is probably 80% to 90% planted, sugar beets are 90% to 100% planted, and soy beans are a good start, maybe 20% to 30% planted," says Eric Sherwood, plant manager for the Star of the West in Gera.

Some of those crops were planted last week. It'll take at least a week to dry up, then we'll see if anything shows up in another week.

Michigan isn't alone, in many parts of the country, mostly seen on the Mississippi River, it's wet and flooded.

In Michigan, crops are already about a month behind the past few years.

So what does this mean for you?

"Crop prices are at historic highs, and they're probably going to stay that way," says Sherwood.

Experts say, in our area, south of Saginaw is one of the hardest hit areas with several rivers coming together.

But it could be worse, Michigan has about 50% of its corn planted. Ohio has just 7% planted.

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