‘Million-dollar rain’: recent showers provide relief for North Dakota farmers

SAWYER, N.D. (KMOT) - Following the recent stretch of heat and dry conditions, the rain is providing some relief not only for firefighters, but also for farmers looking to get their crops going.

Sawyer farmer Duane Poynter said it’s been a long time since they’ve had extreme heat and wind at the same time this early in the year. But he said it’s also been a while since they’ve seen rain for three days straight.

“They talk about a million-dollar rain, this is way more than million-dollar rain,” said Poynter.

Poynter has grown mostly wheat and soybeans for the last two decades.

Due to this year’s early warmth, he said he started seeding wheat by the end of April, about a week earlier than when he’d usually be out in the field.

“This year and stuff, I think is an earlier year than we ever had for seeding-wise and people getting done,” said Poynter.

Poynter said he’s hoping for rain again, but could use a pause to spray herbicide.

After being left with uncertainty during the dryness, heat and wind last week, Poynter said he’s now in high hopes.

“If we wouldn’t have got this timely rain, I think a lot of farmers wouldn’t have a decent crop,” said Poynter.

Last year, Poynter said he had his best wheat crop ever last year, and he’s hoping that will be true again this season.

After all, he said, farmers always have to just hope for the best in every seed planted.

Poynter said he also plants hay, corn and alfalfa for smaller yields.

He said he’s expected to harvest earlier than usual, maybe around July instead of August.

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