MARIANNA, Fla. (AP) _ The mild winter has left Florida Panhandle hay farmers dealing with a pesky worm capable of destroying large swaths of crops.
Panama City’s WJHG (http://bit.ly/JU3yLV ) reports armyworms usually don’t show up until early fall, but that this year’s unseasonable warm winter didn’t kill them off.
A large population of armyworms can destroy a 35 acre crop in just a few days and fertilizer is expensive.
Cattle ranchers are also affected by the pest: If cows can’t get enough nutrients from hay, ranchers must supplement the feed.
___
