ZEELAND, Mich. (WZZM) - The rain this week has many local farmers hopeful that the growing season might improve. However, experts say the rain showers were not enough to reverse weeks of dry weather.
Three days ago, Cindy Visser looked at her potato field that was completely dead and she had all but given up.
"As of Tuesday, we just weren't going to plant anymore," says Visser, a local farmer with Visser Farms.
However, an inch or less of rain changed her entire summer.
"I had been at the market on Wednesday when it rained, and all of the customers were like 'Thank you, Jesus it rained'," says Visser.
Visser immediately planted several new crops, including a sweet potato field.
"Its damp a little ways down, which is a good thing" says Visser.
However, Visser says for many corn farmers the damage has already been done.
"It's pretty late in the season, but any rain at all is helpful," says Visser.
Landscaping experts say that, unlike farm crops, when grass gets overly dry it actually goes dormant, so while it may look like it's dead, it can come back to life with enough water.
"You'll see a few blades that have greened up," says Kevin Ellerbroek, with Hollandia Gardens.
Ellerbroek says the rain was a good start but grass needs consistency.
"From here on out, if we don't get anymore rain, it's vital that you start irrigating your grass at least three times a week," says Ellerbroek.
Visser says with the intense heat, the water will evaporate quickly.
"We need more, but this buys us some time," says Visser.
Visser says about 25 percent of her crops were destroyed by the dry weather, but if it hadn't rained that number could be as high as 50 percent.