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After Years Of Drought, Farmers Hesitant To Curse All The Rain

LOVELAND, Colo. (CBS4) - Flooding has caused a lot damage to Colorado's crops, and it's not just costing farmers money, it will impact everyone.

There are a number of problems facing farmers now. Flash flooding can destroy crops, and too much rain can keep farmers from being able to get to what is still standing.

FLOODED FARMS
(credit: CBS)

In Loveland Thursday's flash floods took out wheat crops and washed away valuable top soil.

"That's a lot of money lying on the ground out there," Loveland farmer Jon Moore said about his damaged crops.

Tractors stuck in drenched fields cannot harvest grain for cattle feed, and heavy rain ruins hay supplies.

FLOODED FARMS
(credit: CBS)

At his downtown Loveland butcher shop, Boar and Bull owner Austin Almquist sells local, pasture-raised beef. He says the wet weather trend, both locally and across the country, is impacting prices.

"With the difficulties and the more expense that the farmer needs to put into it, it's going to translate to more expense for the consumer," Almquist said.

FLOODED FARMS
(credit: CBS)

After years of drought some farmers hesitate to curse the damp days yet, but do wonder if Colorado will get enough dry days this summer to produce healthy crops.

"It is to the point where, when is the water going to stop, or is it going to stop? It's been a lot of rain so far this year," Moore said.

Farmers have been holding off on making repairs to their damaged ditches and roads as more rain is expected.

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