Person County is home to impressive rolling farmland and a variety of crops.The problem this growing season however, is that not enough rain ishitting home. Couple that with several above 90-degree days, and some of the crops areshowing it.
Farmer John Foushee says some of his leaves need water. When they don'tget it, they roll up. If the leaves get some good rain, they'll open backout and make a good crop. All hope is not gone yet.
Not gone yet is an important point. Despite the dry heat, many crops arestill strong. But to stay strong they need a little help from mothernature.
Agriculture Agent Derek Day says some below 90-degree days would help.But he says rain is needed in the next 10 days before the situationbecomes critical.
Actually, it's the spring cold snap that's still having the most impact.Some farmers got their crops in late. Foushee's tobacco field is about amonth behind schedule. The hot weather can have an impact on livestocktoo. The hogs don't eat as much in the heat and yield can be down. Inthat situation, a drip system is set up. Sometimes a little bit of watercan go a long way.
It's been hot and dry all over. But, most farmers say an increase inrain, and a decrease in temperature will turn things around.
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