I recently asked a a veteran North Dakota farmer how his corn and soybeans are faring this drought-stricken year.

There was a long pause. Eventually he said, “A month ago I was happy with them. Two weeks ago I was depressed about how they looked. Now I’ve decided they don’t look too bad, considering how hot and dry it’s been.”

Another long pause. “I’m not sure how to answer your question. It’s just been a roller coaster of emotions,” he said.

I suspect many area farmers share the sentiment. Crops, which looked so good early, have suffered from inadequate moisture and gone downhill. For many producers, the decline hasn’t been quite as sharp or severe as expected. Producers take a certain consolation in that.  But, inevitably, they also worry about the additional damage that will occur if rain doesn’t come quickly. That leads to a roller coaster of emotions.

The wild ride won’t end until harvest.