By JIM LANGHAM

Feature Writer

What a difference a year can make, says Paulding County OSU Extension director Jim Lopshire. Last year at this time, farmers were praying for a break in the continuous rain to allow for planting. This year, says Lopshire, over 90 percent of the corn has been planted and close to 50 percent of the beans are in.

In fact, most area farmers are grateful for the gentle rains that have fallen on Paulding County soil over the past several days.

“Farmers were looking for rain last week because crusting was an issue, along with good seed placement and depth,” said Lopshire. “The showers we got last week and earlier this week were very appreciated.”