Mother Nature Taking A Toll On Wheat Farmers

All of the recent rain is slowly drowning any hopes of high profits for some of our wheat farmers. Mother Nature is always unpredictable, and one farmer says this year isn't any different. News On

Friday, June 15th 2007, 8:12 pm

By: News On 6

All of the recent rain is slowly drowning any hopes of high profits for some of our wheat farmers. Mother Nature is always unpredictable, and one farmer says this year isn't any different. News On 6 anchor Latoya Silmon reports in the past they've come up with ways to tackle the problems, but it won't be so easy this time.

It's a crop many farmers hope to cash in.

"It's a wonderful occupation. It's a wonderful life," said farmer Steve Kouplen.

But farming has its occupational hazards.

â€œIn late April, we had the freeze really hurt the crop, and issue with the rust which is a fungus that had to be sprayed for, and we also had an insect problem in some areas," Kouplen said.

Now they're dealing with rain and lots of it. It's reeking havoc on their crops once again.

"It just becomes a more of a negative every day," said Kouplen.

Kouplen says at first, USDA predicted 161 million bushels now that number is down to 151 million. Even though estimates change, Kouplen says one thingâ€™s certain. They'll have to wait this one out, because it has to dry out before they'll know what they can take to the bank.

â€œWhen you wait a year, you know a farmer's payday is in the next two or three weeks when they get their crop harvested, and if they can't get it in the bin they don't have anything,â€ Kouplen said.

Kouplen says he's actually using his wheat to make hay. And some farmers may have insurance, but Kouplen says the pay off doesn't compare to a good harvest.

Watch the video: Wheat Farmers Get Pounded By Mother Nature