The cold morning temperatures we’ve been experiencing are no doubt frustrating for those of you who’ve already planted your flowers. But, they’re causing some bigger headaches for local farmers.

Chippewa County Agriculture Agent, Randy Knapp, says as of last week – local farmers had about 30% of their crop in the ground. By now, he says that number is likely up to 50%. Still, he says those numbers are behind the 10-year average.

"On a typically year we'll start about April 25th,” said Eau Claire County farmer, Pat Schaffer. “And this year we didn't start until probably about the 5th of this month."

Schaffer has 5,500 acres scattered across the area. He says the cooler temperatures not only delayed his field work – they’re also stunting his crops.

"The crops aren't coming out of the ground,” he said. “We have them planted and they're still not coming up, so that's the biggest delay."

A delay he says could end up costing him this fall.

"It could delay harvesting a couple of weeks or it could mean that it doesn't quite make full maturity before we get a frost,” he said. "Everyday that we delay after around the 15th of the month, that's taking yield off -- percentage everyday."

Still agriculture agents say it’s important to remember – there’s a whole growing season ahead of us.

"It's a bit cool yet, but we can make this up in June, July and August,” said Knapp.

Knapp also says it is important for farmers to remember safety during this last-minute planting rush. He says it is easy to get too tired out in the fields, and reminders farmers to stop for breaks along the way.