Farmers hoping for drenching rains

ACROSS MISSISSIPPI — According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service in Mississippi, there were 4.9 days suitable for fieldwork for the week ending July 11. Scattered showers across the state were a welcome relief, but the damage already done may be unrecoverable for some fields.

Plants are quickly maturing in the warm weather, but producers are worried that yields may be below average if the dry weather continues. Soil moisture was rated 13 percent very short, 36 percent short, 51 percent adequate.

“Scattered showers have helped, but a good general rain is still needed. Most corn has lost yield due to dry weather,” said Stephen R. Winters of Grenada County.

“Almost all of this area has received at least some significant rainfall; however, some localities had already experienced severe drought stress that will translate into reduced yields,” said Ernest Flint, Attala County.