Midwest Drought Concerning To Local Farmers
Close To 47 Percent of U.S. Suffering From Extreme Heat
Omaha, NE - Intense drought conditions across the United States has local farmers concerned about the future of some of their crops.
"It's getting pretty close to critical," said farmer Gene Sibard.
"We're trying to water as much as we can and we're praying for rain," added another farmer, Donna Welchert, who owns land near Fort Calhoun.
Welchert's biggest fear is that one of her best-selling crops is taking a big hit because of record high temperatures.
"The beans are really starting to hurt. They need moisture. If it doesn't rain we'll probably have some pretty small crops of beans."
If the drought persists, Welchert could even start to lose her squash. That's another profit that could dry up.
It's not just farmers at the Old Market suffering either. Growers like Sibard tell us his neighbors are feeling the heat, too.
"The crop farmers are really taking a beating right now," said Sibard. "The field corn is starting to take a hit."
Researchers say they do expect the drought to continue, which is unwelcoming news for farmers because right now close to 47 percent of the U.S. is suffering from the extreme heat. It's the worst drought in the 12-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor.
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