The cold weather has caused delays in deliveries for local farmers because of road conditions.

Farmers have to deal with winter conditions every year, but this year’s weather is harsher than most due to the recent snow storms.

Faivre JP Farms, 7102 Fairview Drive, delivers its corn to ethanol plants in Rochelle and its soybeans to river terminals in Ottawa.

Roger Faivre, Faivre JP Farms owner, said the winter conditions can negatively impact truck and boat deliveries. He said farms have to change when they deliver in responce to the weather.

“Rivers start freezing up,” Faivre said. “It’s hard to get barges up stream.

“It’s become more difficult to plan grain deliveries to terminal locations because we have to keep moving snow,” Faivre said. “It’s less efficient.”

Mark Tuttle, DeKalb County Farm Bureau president, said the weather can sometimes affect shipment schedules. Some shipments are delayed a few days.

“[Farmers] have to wait for a better day to do [shipments] because of the roads,” Tuttle said.

Tuttle said farmers are well prepared for the weather and can work around the harsh conditions. For farms with livestock, Tuttle said farmers provide shelter for their animals to “keep them out of the elements.”

“We’re all getting tired of it and looking forward to spring,” Tuttle said. “But the farmers are resilient and can cope with [the weather].”

NIU meteorologist Gilbert Sebenste said the weather won’t be getting warmer over the next week.

“We’re expecting arctic air early next week and more snow,” Sebenste said.

Faivre said the snow and ice are more dangerous for farms with livestock.

Tuttle said farmers plan for the crop growing season during the winter months by working on their machinery and getting equipment ready.