Wet, Soggy Spring Hurts Colorado Hay Harvest

ILIFF, Colo. (AP) — Colorado's wet spring has helped some farmers, but it's leaving Eastern Plains hay farmers with a soggy mess.

Farmers say plentiful rain this spring has helped most crops, including grass hay and alfalfa used to feed horses and cattle. But after the hay is cut, too much rain can prevent it from properly drying out.

In northeastern Colorado, farmer Don Leonard calls the wet spring an "economic disaster" for him.

"I've been at this for 35 years, and this is about as tough as it's been for me," he told The Denver Post.

In the past 30 days, the precipitation levels for northeastern Colorado were mostly between 5 and 8 inches, according to the National Weather Service. In June 2008, precipitation levels for the same region were mostly between .5 and 2 inches.

Leonard, also the treasurer of the Colorado Hay and Forage Association, says the hay on the ground has been there for 28 days without drying. Last summer, his hay was on the ground for five days before it was baled and ready for sale.