That rain fell over a few days in late September and early October. Fields also stayed wet from rain earlier this week, producers said. "What the weather does today and what it's going to do tomorrow will determine what we do on our farms and ranches," said Ryan Wieck, an agricultural producer.
After an earlier storm, water flowed off county roads and across fields, damaging terraces and waterways, Wieck said. He and other producers repaired the damage and rebuilt waterways to control erosion and direct runoff. Dale Artho, another producer, said one recent storm brought nearly 9 inches to his area, including about 6 inches in the first round.
Producers welcome rain, but heavy downpours can damage land and crops. Water that collects in low areas can reduce oxygen in the soil, which affects the microbes and bacteria that need time to recover, Artho said. Ranchers may need to move cattle to higher ground, particularly when creeks run through their property and water gaps could wash out. Maintaining runoff ditches and culverts directs water away from fields. The work takes time, Wieck said, but it can avoid bigger repairs after heavy rain.
In Artho's area, significant runoff began after just the first 3 inches fell.