Wet Weather Hurting Crops ... and Economy

Weeks of rain aren’t just hampering seasonal fun. They’re also taking a toll on the state economy. MPB’s Cari Gervin takes a look.

April showers are one thing. But this spring’s heavy rains and storms have farmers throwing up their hands in frustration.

Linda Boyd has a small organic farm in Oxford. She says half of her two-acre farm remains unplanted.

“Starting early spring, we only had a window of about a week to get into our garden to get the soil worked up and get things planted. And I was able to get half of one area of my planting in, and then we had a tremendous amount of rain after that. I never try to complain about the rain, but it’s a little frustrating.”

Boyd’s farm may be small, but agriculture is a big part of the state economy.

According to data from the National Weather Service, rainfall across the state in May has ranged from three to eight inches. And more rain is expected this week.

Andy Prosser at the Department of Agriculture says if things don’t dry up soon, the state economy will be hard hit.

“Well, I think you’re looking at huge economic impact, since agriculture is the biggest industry in the state. If some of the crops can’t be planted, and some of these crops are stunted by excess rains, you’re going to see a decrease in yield, which would then equate to a decrease in economic impact and economic income for the state of Mississippi.”

Prosser says corn crops have been the least affected by the rain. Soy bean and cotton crops, however, are behind schedule.

For MPB News, I’m Cari Gervin in Oxford.