Another stormy springs? - Midwest growers again may face delays while planting conditions improve in the South. Expect drought problems in the Plains

摘要

THERE IS NO QUESTION THAT 2008 WAS A ROUGH YEAR FOR FARMING. In fact, the catchword of Generation Y—"gnarly"—is an appropriate one-word description of how the season evolved. Last year featured record snowfall and multi-foot drifts across much of the Midwest, with several spells of horrendous, severe weather and extensive flooding rains during the growing season. There were more drought issues in the South, capped off by tropic-induced heavy fall rains that delayed crop drying and harvest.