POWELL, Wyo. (AP) — A lingering winter followed by wet weather has delayed planting of some crops in Wyoming this spring.

Powell area farmer Fred Hopkin says he's three weeks behind on planting sugar beets. He says the delay likely will mean less yield during harvest.

Jeremiah Vardiman, of the University of Wyoming Extension Service, says statistics show about 37 percent of the beet crop has been planted statewide. Normally, 66 percent would be planted in an average year.

Vardiman says the increased moisture leads to concerns about diseases in the plants, particularly diseases caused by fungus.

On the bright side, farmers say any barley that was planted is up and doing great because it thrives under cool, wet conditions.

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