The latest rainfall statistics for the year and for March show rainfall is above average but not as much as you might think.  So far, as of March 18th, the Southwest Research and Extension Center near Hope (Hope’s official reporting station) has received exactly 17 inches of rain.  Year to date normal is 13,58 inches meaning rainfall is 3.42 inches above normal.  The average rainfall for March is 4.92 inches and so far Hope has received 3.44 inches.

   Even though the rainfall may not be as excessive as it seems, it is still impacting producers says Nevada County Cooperative Extension Service Staff Chairman Stacey Stone.  “Due to wet conditions, producers can’t get cows out to the market” says Stone.  Also, “other factors” are lowering prices he says.  Stone says one of the biggest problems is producers can’t get spring fertilizer put out and can’t spray spring herbicides.  “This is two years in a row producers have had trouble getting out fertilizer and herbicide” says Stone.  He says the result ultimately can lead to hay of less quality and pastures of less quality.

   Stone says the wet conditions are also hampering some cool season grasses.  “Wet soil is cold soil” says Stone   “Cool season grasses are doing well where there is good drainage but not as well in we areas” he noted.  Stone says if you notice the grass on the I-30 median, the grass closs to the road, up high, is lush and green while the grass in the low part of the median where moisture stands is not doing as well.

    It might be nice if the rain would slack up a little.  Unfortunately, the seven day forecast calls for rain in each 24 hour period until Wednesday when the sun should come out and highs will top 80.