Despite the drought, QC farmers look forward to spring - CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather Sports

Despite the drought, QC farmers look forward to spring

By: Jillian Wilson

jwilson@cbs4qc.com

Hundreds of farmers checked out the latest equipment at the QC Expo Center today.

And even with so little rain last season, farmers say they're looking forward to spring.

"You got to have rain to make grain. It's just all there is to it, so if we don't get the rain this spring, we're going to be in trouble," says Doug Hoag, a farmer in Muscatine.

But if Mother Nature doesn't deliver, farmers say they won't be too concerned, especially if they have insurance.

"A lot of the guys are going to be looking at insurance possibilities coming up this next year. What they got to do to protect themselves," says Hoag.

And local farmers already covered tell CBS 4, it's a smart investment.

"Well our incomes are down. We definitely are lucky to have the insurance to cover some of the cost," says Mike Wagner, a farmer in Tipton.

But even with a fresh start, farmers will still be paying for last year's dry season.

"It will be three years before we get all of our moistures back even in normal conditions. So this is not over by any means," says Wagner.

And if you didn't get a chance to check out the farm expo, don't worry you still can.

It's opened tomorrow and Tuesday.