Melting snow causing trouble for farmers, producers

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. — This slight warm–up is nice, but not necessarily for our farmland. While the snow and ice melts, it’s causing flooding across the state and over-saturation in fields and prairies.

With weather the way it has been, many producers are already expecting a late planting season, which could eventually lead to a late harvest.

The melting snow is causing ice jams across the state and issues for agriculture. Corn and soybean farmer, Arron Kowalski, said he does not want any more moisture.

He expects parts of his land to turn into more of a swamp than a grassland once things start to really thaw.

“Over there is our pasture and right now the slews aren’t really flowing or anything but as soon as the ground starts to thaw and everything like that, it’ll pretty much be an active stream. I would imagine with the amount of moisture we have it’ll be going for a while,” said Kowalski.

Kowalski said if the weather permits, they hope to start planting the second week of April but he said that timeline seems a bit optimistic.

Kowalski said this is not his first time dealing with over-saturated fields.

“In the past when we’ve had really wet springs, we’ll run our vertical till disc across it which helps air out the top, which at least allows you to get in to the field, but you’re pretty much at the mercy of the elements,” said Kowalski.

In other parts of the state, jams are forming near the Platte River and whole fields have turned into puddles.

Hall County Emergency Manager, Jon Rosenlund, said they have not had any damage yet but he still cautions folks against flooded areas.

“We always encourage everyone to avoid flood prone areas. Never drive across the road or a bridge that is covered with water. You’re really not sure that there’s a solid roadway or a bridge underneath that water,” said Rosenlund.

Rosenlund said they encourage everyone to follow the mantra, “turn around and don’t drown.”

Courtesy: KHIG