Weld County farmers rush to treat wheat rust

FRONT PAGE: Wheat rust is a growing problem for #Weld County farmers due to all the rain. http://t.co/eaRIHwupAx pic.twitter.com/uusO1r8Nqd

Above-average rainfall and cooler temperatures across Weld County are contributing to an outbreak of wheat rust, reports the Greeley Tribune. And strain of this fungal disease that affects Colorado wheat can wipe of half of a crop's yield when left untreated.

Early detection and treatment can stop the spread of wheat rust, but the treatment is in high demand.

“They just can’t cover the ground they need to right now. It’s moving in so fast,” [wheat producer Jerry] Cooksey said. “Everyone needs it done at once.”

Other farmers are considering the low price of wheat and weighing whether to chance it, the paper reports.