Wet, Soggy Spring Hurts Colorado Hay Harvest

John Stulp, commissioner of agriculture for Colorado, said the effects of the rain depend on what stage farmers are in during the hay-farming process.

He said he has not seen any significant drop in prices so far, but if the rain keeps coming, that might change.

"If you have hay that's been weather-damaged and the color isn't good, then you can see the price drop half of what it's worth," he said.

___

Information from: The Denver Post, http://www.denverpost.com

___

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture announced that interest rates are dropping from 5 percent to 4.5 percent for two loan programs offered to farmers and ranchers.

The department joins with local lenders in the programs.

The Livestock Loan Program offers farmers and ranchers who already have facilities loans of up to $100,000 for as long as 5 years.