Many farmers are trying to catch up after rain has slowed down planting.

By this time of year, if working on schedule, the majority of farmers would be done with their planting.

But the recent rain has made the land almost too wet to plant anything.

Rebecca Shuemaker and her husband, John, of Ash Grove Township only have 200 of their 700 acres done.

Shuemaker said they need at least a week for the fields to dry out so they can continue planting.

Most farmers usually divide their fields so that half of the field is corn and the other half is soybeans. Due to rain delays, many farmers have switched the rest of their corn for soybeans.

Curt Niemeyer, who farms in Humbolt, had to sacrifice about 100 acres worth of corn.

Nels Kasey, a part-time farmer and co-owner of Great Heart Seed store in Paris, said many farmers do not want corn anymore because it is passed the ideal planting date of April 20.

After April 30, corn loses yield potential because the corn is not likely to be mature enough for the summer heat. Soybeans lose yield potential after May 16.

This set back is not only costing the farmers, but the seed companies as well.

Prices increased

Most of Kasey’s business is based on corn. When a farmer switches corn for soybeans or if they have to replant, Great Heart Seed has to discount the seeds.

The rain has also left several spots of standing water, which have to be replanted. Todd Padrick of Toledo said he has about 20 acres that will have to be replanted due to the rain. Phil Reinhart, who farms in Lerna, also has a few spots that need to be replanted.

Due to the “Wet Market”, many farmers agree that the price of corn will go up within the upcoming months. Illinois is one of the largest corn producing states aside from Iowa, said Kasey.

“It may cost seven cents extra to make the box of cornflakes,” Shuemaker said. “But they will charge a dollar more, and the farmers won’t see any of that money.”

Working the market

Farmers are limited on ways to replace the loss of crops. Some farmers, like Niemeyer, plan to work the market.

“It all depends on what the rest of the summer does,” said Niemeyer.

Farmers that have crop insurance are able to protect their yields and the price of their crops. However, April 15 was the cutoff date for crop insurance, said Kasey.

Padrick has no crop insurance, so his yields are not protected.

“It’s the risk you take,” said Padrick.

However, Padrick said he has had good corn crop from planting in June before.

“Hopefully the rest of the summer will be good,” said Padrick.

Kaitlyn can be reached at 581-7942 or at kdpeters@eiu.edu.