You may not be happy with the rain forecasted for this weekend, but you will see plenty of farmers smiling at the prospect of it. The weekly report from the United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service has not shown measurable precipitation for Door and Kewaunee counties since the week of May 15th. The dry weather has allowed farmers to get into their fields at least, with 6.7 suitable days for fieldwork for them to work with over the last week. Over 90 percent of the oats, wheat, and corn crops have been planted, which is two to three days ahead of last year’s pace. Now those plants need water, something farmers in northeast Wisconsin depend on since very few rely on irrigation systems to get by during drier periods. Rio Creek Feed Mill agronomist Adam Barta says it is nothing to panic over quite yet, but the rain is definitely needed at this stage of the growing season.

Mother Nature could provide assistance for farmers as soon as Saturday afternoon when storms are expected to hit the area. According to The Weather Channel, there is at least a 50 percent chance of rain through Tuesday morning.