Rain, Rain, Go Away GRAND RAPIDS, MI (Michigan Radio) - The recent heavy rains seem to be doing more harm than good for Michigan farmers.

Farmers obviously need rain to grow their crops. But too much rain, and the fields get soggy. Tractors have trouble getting through. Planting and maintaining the crops can be difficult.

Bob Boehm is with the Michigan Farm Bureau. He says one crop that's been particularly affected by the rain is hay. Dairy farmers need hay to feed their cows.

"That's added some frustration to an already frustrated dairy industry that's suffering by dramatically lower milk prices," he says.

That means, in addition to getting less money for their milk, dairy farmers are now having trouble getting feed.

Boehm says Michigan's main cash crops, such as corn, soybeans and wheat have also had some trouble, but statewide, he says the crop is relatively healthy.

Contact Dustin Dwyer at dtdwyer@umich.edu.

© Copyright 2009, Michigan Radio