User:Bddpaux/Citizens express both praise and worries over Texas rains

news June 29, 2014

Some citizens of the US state of Texas have expressed a range of feelings over heavy rains seen across much of the state this summer. The city of Tyler and surrounding area have seen at least eight days of rain thus far in June. This, following 4 consecutive summers where drought conditions racked much of the state's farms.

Dale Barnes manages a produce stand found at Old Main Street Market in the city of Chandler. On Saturday, he told Wikinews that many local growers have complained of recent heavy rains damaging crops by causing "rot or mildew." However, Barnes stated most farmers selling at the market are presently selling 60 - 80% of what their farms will produce for the entire season. The same day, a Tyler man said, "I'm not a farmer, but this rain has been making my yard grow so fast, I can barely keep it mowed."

Rice farmers in the southern part of the state have praised recent rainfall, reducing the heavy expense of irrigation. Lake Sam Rayburn, a reservoir upon which many Texans depend is presently full, for the first time in five years. All week central Texas farmers and ranchers have been praising above average rainfall for this time of year. Some are even expecting record crops thanks to the recent rains. Robert Fleming, a rancher in central Texas told reporters he expects his corn crop this year to be "record breaking" due to heavy rains. A representative from the Texas Farm Bureau told reporters that farmers attitudes around the state are positive. He added, "Rain will do that."