The impact of rain on harvest season and what we expect down the road

BREMEN, Ind. -- The rain has been plentiful so far in October, making it harder for some farmers to harvest the crops that eventually make it to the dinner table.

However, Michiana farmers, like those at Maenhout Family Farms, are persisting through the rainfall this year.

With more rain in the forecast, farms like the one Ryan and his son are a part of will adjust accordingly, still planning on producing a yield even if it is smaller than normal.

While rain certainly is vital to produce like corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay during the Summer, excess rain during the Fall is actually more detrimental to farmers due to excess moisture build-up.

In the case of soybeans which are currently being harvested, the extra water makes it harder for farmers and their machines to crack the shells.

Soybeans can only be harvested during the day, primarily in the mid to late afternoon when the area is at its warmest and driest.

Windier conditions speed the drying process up as well.

Even minor dew formation in the morning or light rain showers can delay the daily harvesting period by hours.