York County, Pennsylvania has been experiencing a severe drought this year. Farmers in the area are struggling to keep their crops alive without enough rain.
Brian Smyser, co-owner of Smyser's Richlawn Farm, has been using an old fire truck to water his crops three times per week. "We had a little bit less heat-wise, but we just still lacked a little bit of moisture," Smyser said. "This is four out of five years we've been struggling to get rain when we need it."
Agricultural experts at Penn State Extension say York County has been 15% dryer this year and 5% warmer. The dry weather is having a devastating impact on Smyser's crops. His soybean fields are suffering, with drying, yellow patches standing out on the green canvas. His corn is also hurting, with leaves browning and ears falling well before harvest.
Climate scientists are predicting warmer temperatures and heavier rain in south-central Pennsylvania in the coming years. However, they say this will not be a return to normal weather patterns. Instead, there will be more extreme weather events, with periods of drought alternating with periods of heavy rain.
As chemical companies work to develop seeds that are more resistant to drought, Penn State Extension is advising farmers to spread out planting their crops. This will give plants the best chance to see soaking showers.
The drought in York County is a reminder of the challenges that farmers face in a changing climate. With more extreme weather events becoming the norm, farmers will need to adapt their practices in order to keep their crops alive.
Photo Credit: science-photo-library-igor-stevanovic
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Soybeans, Weather