As drought continues, farmers feel more pressure

By CARRIE CARLSON

Tuesday, July 10, 2007 10:47 PM EDT

The early Summer drought has been especially harsh on the local corn crop. -- Jeff Wendling/Staff

"It took me five years to build it up and one summer to destroy it," he said.

With high cattle sales, market prices decrease, leaving the farmer with little money.

Polley said even if the area does receive significant rainfall, the worst damage has already been done.

"We've already lost so much," said the farmer who yielded 21 bales of hay out of field which last year produced 97.

Polley is pressing leaders to try to get government aid to help local farmers.

Bracken County farmer Darrell Williams agreed that things look bad.

"We have one-third to one-half as much hay as we normally do, no pasture, not a good stand of tobacco and the corn doesn't look good at all," Williams said.

"... I don't know what we'll do this winter," he continued.

Jeff Smith, Fleming County extension agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, agrees that corn crops seem to be the hardest hit. However, other crops -- and even livestock, are hurting as well.

Hay production is 30 to 50 percent less than last year, tobacco crops have seen problems and "pastures are still hurting," said the agent.

Smith said this year's tobacco crop may turn out OK, but he has noticed an increase in black shank, a soil-born fungus which adversely affects the plant. Smith explained the growth of the fungus may be exacerbated by drought conditions.

"It's not just a drought," explained Smith, "it will affect people for a long time."

For instance, Smith said dairy farms will likely suffer a long-term blow.

"The heat stress and reduced vegetation may affect reproduction rates," said Smith of the cattle.

Livestock are also more likely to eat poisonous plants during a drought, the agent explained. Since pastures are diminished, some poisonous plants, which would normally be ignored by the livestock, may be consumed either in bales or in the field.

Peggy Parker, owner and operator of Burrwal Farm in May's Lick, said her livestock are feeding off her hay since the pastures are so bad and "... if it weren't for city water, we'd be in a load of trouble."

"Ponds are drying up and streams are running low," said Smith.

Smith said livestock can catch disease from muddy, mirky drinking areas.

Smith said many farmers, like Parker, now luckily have access to alternate watering sources.

Altogether, the drought paints a dismal picture for the immediate future.

"It's scary for winter," explained Parker, "but there is not much you can do about it."

Smith said all farmers know they can't control the weather.

"Farmers are, for the most part, optimistic and resilient," said Smith, "you have to work with it (the weather)."

During droughts, Smith suggests storing forages properly so not as much is wasted. For example, one can wrap hay or store it in a barn. Smith said university studies suggest 40 percent of hays' value may be lost when stored outside without protection.

Smith also said farmers should have a drought plan. Farmers can try to raise or locate alternative forages or sell livestock to make it through difficult times.

The extension agent also reminds farmers that extension offices are available for help and encourages farmers to call their local agents with questions and concerns.

To find out more about the drought, visit the University of Kentucky's Extension Disaster Education Network Web site at http://wwwagwx.ca.uky.edu/EDEN/drought.html.

Contact Carrie Carlson at carrie.carlson@lee.netor 606-564-9091, ext. 272.