Bumper crop of rain may raise prices for consumers

All the rain this summer is creating problems for many New Jersey farmers. That could lead to higher price for consumers.

 

Wet conditions in the fields make it difficult to produce hay, according to Ryke Suydam, New Jersey Farm Bureau president.

“I’m already hearing reports of shortages of good hay, everything from the Ohio Valley east, and that translates into higher prices for lamb, for goats, some for beef,” Suydam. “So there will be a little bit of an increase due to the weather.”

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Suydam says the rain has resulted in mildew that’s damaging cucumbers, squash, and pumpkins.

But sweet corn grows well in all the rain, so farmers with that crop are doing better, he said.

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