Surplus of rain yields hold on planting preparations at farms

By Evan White

Story Created: Mar 19, 2008 at 4:51 PM EST

Story Updated: Mar 20, 2008 at 12:09 PM EST

So far we have seen two more inches of rain than usual for this time of year. This is due to the constant snow and thaw that have been happening over the past few weeks and is causing planting preparations to be on hold at local farms.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County says the increase in rain is actually a good thing in some respects. Local growers may be able to get a jump on the season if we do not get hit with another big snow storm.

At Candella's in Marcy, Pepper Seeds are being prepared in a greenhouse. They are scheduled to be planted in the coming weeks. With less snow on the fields than recent years, Mike Candella is optimistic about the growing season. Experts say rain can hold back farmers' plating schedules, but on the other hand frozen ground is even worse.

If the rain continues for several more weeks, Mike Candella says it could slow things down and hurt the yield for some crops that are planted in spring.
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