Cold, wet weather delays spring planting
by Jim Maurice, WJON.com

UNDATED -- Today (Wednesday) is the last day of April, and most farmers in Central Minnesota still haven't begun their spring planting.

Dan Martens is a University of Minnesota Extension Educator in Benton County. He says just a few farmers have been able to plant some small grain and corn. And he says every day that's lost, means lost yields this fall. However, he's not overly concerned just yet.   He says some farmers could see a 10% loss in yield this year, but an ideal growing season might help crops recover from the slow start.

Martens says with a forecast that's calling for rain at the end of this week, that may back-up planting at least into next week.