BISHOPVILLE, Md. - Farmers in Worcester County say dry conditions are starting to take a toll on crops, daily operations and expectations for the growing season.
In Bishopville, first-generation farmer Richard Addis said this has been one of the driest starts to a season he can remember in his 16 years farming in the area.
“This year is probably the driest year I think we've ever started off,” Addis said.
Addis said the corn may not look bad from a distance, but signs of stress are already showing. During recent 90-degree days, he said young corn began twisting, something he said is unusual this early in the season.
He said the dry soil is also affecting soybean replanting. Soybeans are planted close to the surface, and without enough moisture, Addis said the seed can start to germinate but fail to develop a root system.
“So right now we can't even do our replant for soybeans,” Addis said.
Farmers say scattered showers may not be enough to reverse the problem. Addis said the upper soil is dry, and the subsoil several inches below the surface is also lacking moisture.
“At this point, we need a long, soaking rain,” Addis said.
Harry Wimbrow, another Worcester County farmer, said the dry weather has become a daily problem. He said wind, heat and shifting temperatures are adding pressure to young crops, especially vegetables.
Wimbrow said vegetable crops are vulnerable because they are not built to handle long stretches of drought, heat and cold swings. He said some crops have already been placed on hold because of the conditions.
Farmers say the drought is also adding costs. Irrigation takes time and money, while delayed crop growth can affect spraying schedules and increase the need for additional work later in the season.
Addis said dry weather delayed some planting earlier this year and could now affect yields. He said corn is in an important growth stage, when the plant begins determining the size of the ear it will produce.
“Every day that we don't see meaningful rainfall, and by that I mean at least a one inch soaking rain, we're losing yield now off the top,” Addis said.
Wimbrow said if the dry pattern continues, it could affect production cycles, supply and prices later in the season.
Farmers say a quick thunderstorm could help in some areas, but they are hoping for several days of steady rain, cloud cover and cooler temperatures.
