It is what everyone wants to know: How much longer will the cold and snow last? While it isn't unusual for this type of weather to hang on into March, some are predicting it could stick around longer than normal. That means, farmers could be starting their spring planting late. And that is making for some nervous corn and bean farmers in our area.

Chad Zahner's St. Bernard, Gerty, is supposed to like the cold weather, but this year even she hasn't wanted to go outside. Its been a rough winter and the Wakarusa Farmer is worried it could mean a rough spring as well.

"We just keep sitting here going, are we even going to get in the fields by April," says Zahner.

While it is still too early to know, according to Purdue, the Indiana State Climate Office says winter could stick around longer than normal. And that could mean a later planting season.

"I honestly, don't think we will be rolling until May," says Zahner.

It is not unusual for cold and snow to hang around into March. But some are predicting it could go until early April. And most farmers, Zahner included, like to get their seed in the ground by April 15th. That won't happen if the ground is too cold. Experts say the ground should be at least 50 degrees for optimal planting conditions.

"The biggest thing this year is you are going to be so far behind, you are not going to have that prep time. You are just going to have to go. You are going to have to put seed in the ground," says Zahner, "Because if you don't get it in in a timely manner, it turns into a late fall. And then you could be dealing with this snow late fall."

The past few years have been a roller coaster for farmers. In 2012, our area experienced an early spring. It was 85 degrees in March. Many farmers planted early, then drought decimated their crops later on. 2013 was more normal. Farmers were planting mid April and yields were fairly good. But Zahner says even if they end up planting late this spring there are plenty of other factors -- good and bad -- that could influence their crop in the coming months.

"That is farming, if it was easy, everyone would do it," says Zahner.

So what does this mean for you, the consumer? If farmers do end up planting later it could impact yields, meaning less product at harvest time. And that could mean higher prices at the grocery store.

Source - http://www.wsbt.com/