It’s been one of the most challenging times for us (the ag industry) in recent Memory.” Those words come from UW-Extension Agricultural Agent for Manitowoc County Scott Gunderson.
A second challenge is for the ability of the clay-based soils in Manitowoc County to hold water from the rapidly melting snow.
Gunderson says they (the county) were much more fortunate than other producers in the area where substansial structural damage was reported in Kewaunee County. In Shawano County where nearly three feet of snow fell one farmer needs to find a home for more than 800 cows or risk selling them at a reduced price to avoid financial hardship. The local AG expert says there’s still time to have a profitable season.
But for that to occur—
Gunderson also advises farmers to “pace themselves” as they try to make up for lost time.