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Rain causes problems for Wisconsin farmers

Gillberg
Rain causes problems for Wisconsin farmers

ALGOMA, Wis. — They say rain is a good thing, but too much rain can be a bad thing.

A sixth-generation Algoma farmer is facing the challenges of this year’s wet weather.

What do you want to know

  • An Algoma farmer is having to change his farming strategy due to the abundance of rain in recent months.
  • Sixth-generation farmer grows cash crops and raises beef

  • He said they have already reached the amount of rain they usually receive in a year.

  • He turned to growing primarily corn because of its resilience.



For over 150 years, Eric Harmann and his family have maintained over 60 acres of land passed down from generation to generation. He grows cash crops like corn and raises beef cattle.

Harmann said the last two years have been difficult for him and his family.

(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)

“Mother nature is one,” Harmann said. “Last year we had a drought. This year, a lot of water. We’ve had the equivalent of 25 inches of rain this year, which is pretty close to what we get in a year.

Harmann said they have switched to planting corn on most of the property because it is hardier than other crops. He said they took a calculated risk of planting later than usual. This could give them a good three months for the harvest to arrive.

(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)

“There is give and take on both sides,” Harmann said. “You may have quantity, but now you’re going to have to buy different types of foods to make up for the quality of your diet.”

Rain can also be hard on farm livestock. Harmann said cattle don’t like to lie in puddles, the water makes their hooves soft and can make calves more susceptible to disease.

(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)

“It’s kind of like the old adage: ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,'” Harmann said. One needs to diversify into different markets or sectors to survive in the agricultural sector today. »

Things are so bad for Harmann’s farm right now that he’s considering doing something he’s never done before: using crop insurance.

(Spectrum News 1/Geno Perez)

“In a year like this, my brother and I would prepare a field and hopefully the next day or night we could till it and it would rain,” Harmann said. “It’s pretty nice to have that insurance peace of mind in the back of your mind.”

No matter what happens this season, Harmann said it’s part of the job and he wouldn’t have it any other way. He said he always wanted to be a farmer and it went hand in hand with these challenges.

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