As one of the area farmers, Guy Casteel, said following the tremendous hail storm that hit the NVN area Saturday, “At least the weevils are dead.”
His outlook may echo some of the reactions of the farmers whose fields have been flattened by 60+ mph winds and hail that ranged from nickel size to larger than a quarter. Many places reported anywhere from one to two inches of rain that came down hard and made water run down the hills and gullies.
Another rain storm hit about midnight that same night. The ground is well saturated at the moment.
The area has been short of soil moisture and prospects look good for ground moisture for the middle part of summer. However, many of crops that were growing well under irrigation are now stubbles with little hope of coming back.
Corn and soybeans especially will not regrow, their season is done. However, oats and alfalfa have the chance to continure to grow through the season.
Gardens could be a lost cause, too. The canning season will be shortened for sure.
There were reports of broken windows, screens, and car windshields, but little loss of homes and roofs.
More will be reported next week as information is gathered.
Read the full issue of the Belle Fourche Beacon by clicking here.
