ANDERSON, Ind. (AP): Persistent rains earlier this month have prevented Indiana farmers from preparing their fields for planting, and many say the weather could lead to some hectic days ahead.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that Indiana had just 1.7 days from March 31 through April 4 that were suitable for field work.

Madison County farmer Brian Bays says he hasn't been able to apply fertilizer or get heavy equipment into fields. He expects to spend longer days to make up for the missed time.

Bob Nielson of Purdue University says the planting date isn't an “automatic kiss of death” for harvest yields.

Nielson notes that corn and soybean planting was delayed last year, but Indiana farmers wound up with record crops for both.