How Heavy Rains Could Affects Farmers

WMBD/WYZZ - Peoria - While flooding is currently a major issue in central Illinois, it could cause problems for area farmers if it continues. The planting season for corn and soybeans starts in mid-April for local farmers, but if the cool and rainy conditions continue, planting could be delayed. A delay in planting crops could mean fewer yields. Officials at the Peoria County Farm Bureau are hoping to dry out some over the next month, since a full yield would help your wallet. “If we do have good yields, basically that means were going to have an abundant supply of corn and soybeans and that relates to cheaper prices at the grocery store on a normal basis for the consumer,” says Patrick Kirchhofer, manager for the Peoria County Farm Bureau. Even if yields are down this year, the bureau says that some reserves can be tapped into from last year’s record crop.