Recent heavy rainfall across the area did not hurt local crops, however, it may have been a bit too little too late to make any major impact.
That’s according to Lyon County Extension Ag Agent Brian Rees who recently spoke with KVOE News about the large rain totals that fell on the area earlier this month. Rees says the heavy precipitation will do well for the recently planted wheat crop, however, as for others Rees says harvest is roughly 95 to 99 percent complete meaning it came too late to make any major difference in yields.
That said, Rees did note that there were still some impressive yields in portions of the county despite the significant drought conditions that were in place for much of the year.
As for livestock, Rees says the recent rainfall has been both a benefit and a hindrance.
Also on the positive side, Rees noted that ponds and streams are both full and flowing again providing a steady water source ahead of the winter months. He notes this development has helped to quell some fears for livestock producers who were uncertain what the water conditions would be like given the aforementioned lengthy drought that impacted the area through the middle of the year.
He explains many individuals were wondering what they would do with their livestock during the winter months if the drought conditions had persisted as the lower ponds and streams become the quicker it can freeze in the colder months creating more challenges for keeping livestock properly hydrated.
