12/28/2012 2012 brings pleasant surprise for farmers By ELISA SAND, Staff Reporter Stoller This past year was definitely a time of ups and downs for the farming community, starting with high moisture and ending with drought conditions. Mark Stoller, manager for the Madison Farmers Elevator said that when it was all said and done, the local farmers were on pins and needles most of 2012. "A lot were not confident on their yields," Stoller said. Going into harvest, yield estimates were pretty conservative, but as harvest came to a close, Stoller said, the average to below average yields came as a pleasant surprise to some while satisfying other producers. Dry conditions this fall aided in a smooth, easy harvest for local farmers. Stoller said grain came in earlier than usual, providing time for farmers to complete year-end projects and prepare the ground for planting in 2013. "It provided for a lot of fall work," he said. "A lot of cleaning of rural areas." Going into 2013, there are a few unknowns. Federal legislators have yet to take action on a new farm bill or extend the present farm bill programs. "The tax situation has everyone on the conservative side," Stoller said.

©Madison Daily Leader 2013