This year's unusually wet spring weather is more than an inconvenience for developers and farmers.

        For some, it could be disastrous — slowing development of subdivisions and delaying crop-planting, which could result in reduced yields.

Tom Spellmire splashes water standing in a field he works in Turtlecreek Township. He says excessive rain is delaying his planting, which will lower his yield. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        It's also put a dent in outdoor recreation, postponing hundreds of softball, baseball and soccer games, and keeping frustrated gardeners out of their patches.

        Since March 1, the Tristate has received nearly 4 inches more rain than average. More showers are expected today, with a break forecast for Friday and Saturday.

        Last year at this time, Warren County farmer Tom Spellmire had planted all his corn and soybean crops. This year, the consistently wet ground has prevented him planting hardly anything.

        “We're way behind schedule,” said Mr. Spellmire, of Turtlecreek Township. “I can't get tractors in the fields because they're too wet.”

        The weather has prevented developers from digging basements; pouring concrete for foundations, streets and curbs; and planting lawns and bushes at new houses.

        “It's cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue,” said Carlos Todd, president of the Todd Development Co., a subsidiary of The Todd Group in West Chester Township.

        He estimates his company will wind up being at least two months behind in blacktopping streets for subdivisions.

        “It's been devastating,” Mr. Todd said. “We can't do the grading and curbing and paving because of this weather. We have builders just crying for lots that we can't deliver on time.”

        Steve O'Callaghan, vice president of Dixon Builders in Fairfield Township, said the frequency of the rain has been a bigger problem than the amount of rain.

        “It rains every three or four days, so the ground never dries out,” he said. “I've only been able to get in 25 percent of the lawns for houses that we built and sold over the winter.”

        Delays in any line of work cost money — whether it's in the construction business or farming.

        The late planting of corn and soybeans may mean lower crop yields this year, said Jerry Brown, agricultural agent with the Boone County Cooperative Extension Service.

        Corn and soybean farmer Steve Flaig of Union said delaying planting after May 15 will cost him a half-bushel a day per acre, and after June 1, he will lose a bushel a day.

        The soggy ground also means drab yards in many neighborhoods.

        Holly McDonell of West Chester Township said she had hoped to have colorful flowers in her back yard for nice photos at her daughter's first communion party this weekend.

        “The rain has really delayed planting any type of flowers,” Mrs. McDonell said. “Flowers that normally would be blooming at this time aren't blooming.”

        Dan Schnell of Liberty Township hasn't been able to weed, plant flowers and start his vegetable garden.

        “I've basically had to postpone everything,” he said.

        Outdoor sports activities have been seriously hampered by the wet weather.

        The Cincinnati Recreation Commission has canceled dozens of softball games so far because of rain and wet fields. With 340 teams in men's, women's and co-ed leagues, the commission can't afford to have too many washed-out games.

        “It's really put me behind,” said Ron Odenbeck, softball coordinator.

        The softball season normally ends in early to mid-July. But Mr. Odenbeck said canceled games probably will stretch out this year's season.

        Business at The Golf Courses at Kenton County in Independence has been down about 20 percent from last year, golf pro Tom Mackie said.

        “We had six straight weekends where we lost at least one day due to weather,” he said. “We're having a heck of a time just getting mowers on the golf courses. We like to mow our greens seven days a week. But now, we're lucky to mow them four days a week.”
       

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