06/05/2019- It’s no doubt been a tough start to the season for local farmers. Harsh winter conditions followed by an especially wet and cold spring damaged cover crops and made it difficult for farmers to even access their fields with equipment to get this year’s planting done. UW Extension Agriculture Agent Scott Reuss says only about 60% of farm fields have been planted locally thus far and he estimates we’re 10 to 12 full warm days behind the average- critical growing time that Reuss says “can’t be made up.” Today is the last day for farmers to plant corn and still be eligible for full coverage crop insurance, while the deadline for soybeans in June 10th. While it is shaping up to be a challenging production year in our area, Reuss notes Marinette County is in better shape than other nearby regions like southern Oconto County.