6-22 FB No Heat Units

 The cold and the rain have put a definite slow down on production crops. We’ll hear specifics from a U of I Ag Extension Specialist in just a minute. I’m David Sparks. Unless you’re a polar bear or you’ve been hibernating like a regular bear, you’ve probably noticed that it’s been quite a spring in terms of rain and cold weather. Even weeds are slow to grow in the cold, wet weather across Idaho this spring, says Don Morishita, University of Idaho professor of weed science and extension specialist at the Kimberly Research and Extension Center.

 Here’s Don: “Seems like every spring has been a challenge although the challenge this year has been the cold weather. It had a great impact on sugar beets. We lost some sugar beets just like the growers did and had trouble trying to get a good stand established as well. The grains are loving this cool weather. Grains look good this year but most of the other crops like sugar beets and corn are taking a beating. Our potatoes over at Aberdeen are just coming out of the ground so they’re slowly growing. Hopefully with some heat units, we’ll get those going too.”

 Love how scientists talk…Let’s hope for heat units.