Oklahoma Ranchers Hit Hard By Drought Welcome Rainfall

The rain's not all bad. It's been welcome on the state's farms and ranches, which have been struggling with record drought.

The rain is falling on Cord Hodge's ranch near Sperry. Filling up ponds, bringing life to pastures.

"Now it seems like it won't quit raining. It's a pretty good deal I guess, but it is pretty muddy and nasty," Hodge said.

The mud and muck are a small price to pay - especially if you take a look back to the problem Hodge was facing this time last year.

07/12/2012 Related Story: Oklahoma Ranchers Take Big Hit As Drought Continues

"We didn't have any grass whatsoever. It was really dry," he said, describing last year's conditions. "If we don't get any rain, then we're not going have any grass."

This year, the grass is already green and growing. And as long as the rain keeps coming - ranchers and farmers will have one less worry on their minds.

"This is just a tremendous start for us, because if we get 20 inches of rainfall in March, April, May and June we can produce the majority of our grass that we expect to produce," said Bruce Peverley.

Peverley, an agriculture educator with the Tulsa County OSU Extension Center, says even though there is some standing water - it's ok - the soil is soaking it up.

"This will help ensure that we get these crops up and growing and then hope we catch some rains through the summer," Peverley said.

So, while the rain may seem relentless to some - to others - it's a blessing that will hopefully bring a bountiful harvest.

The majority of summer crops will be planted in April and May. Experts say this week's rain will help carry farmers and ranchers into the early part of summer.