News

Finally rains for some Michigan farmers

A Midwest farmer says the recent upward trend in the grain market along with the first rain in nearly a month is providing some optimism during a very stressful time.

“When you have the market going down and there’s no rain outside, and you look at your crop and it’s burning up, it’s obviously a very stressful time.”

Michigan farmer Bill Hunt grows corn, soybeans and wheat. He says his area is behind about three inches of rain and crops are suffering immensely.  “The half inch we had last night and the half inch we had 10 days earlier is the first substantial rain we’ve had in basically the whole month of July.”

Hunt says the trade relief package for farmers can help support lost markets, but he’d rather see trade retaliation resolved.  “Anytime you rely on the government to save the family farm, it usually isn’t enough to even make a dent in your financial situation.”  Hunt says farmers don’t want a handout, they want to be able to sell their crop for a profit.

AUDIO: Interview with Bill Hunt