Weather challenges sweet potato farmers

Weather has created a tough year for California sweet potato growers. Farmers are about 20 days behind average in planting the crop. Heavy winds destroyed about 1,500 acres of planted sweet potatoes that had to be reseeded and cool temperatures in May and June slowed crop growth. Farmers also are concerned that irrigation water delivery schedules show they may not have enough water in September to finish growing late varieties. Harvest won't begin until late July, two weeks later than average.