This winter helped to remind Missourians that the state can see frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall, the Missouri Ruralist reported on Tuesday. University of Missouri Extension climatologist Pat Guinan said he believes this winter could squeak into the record book as one of the top-10 coldest in 116 years, but it will more likely fall in the top 15. Portions of northwestern Missouri reported nearly 50 inches of snow and some counties have had snow on the ground since Dec. 7. "An usually persistent weather pattern contributed to this long cold spell," Guinan said. The cold temperatures and heavy snow will have an impact on Missouri farmers. No drying of the soil well into March is expected as lower temperatures continue to stick around. While no significant precipitation is expected over the next couple of weeks, there will also be very little drying out as well, which could delay spring planting, Guinan said. The snow cover also affected the state's livestock as beef herds saw reduced winter grazing of stockpiled pastures. Cattlemen fed herds more feed due to the increased nutrient demand by livestock as they tried to keep warm.

(Missouri Ruralist, March 9, 2010)

(http://www.missouriruralist.com/…)