LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In the last month, Kentucky recorded less than two inches of rain which is significantly below normal.
Farmers across Kentuckiana say they need a good heavy rainfall to help their thirsty crops. With drought conditions impacting the countryside, will it affect what you see at a local produce market?
When you walk through the front door of the Garden Gate Fruit Market on Bardstown Road you'll see an abundance of colorful produce. Owner Dale Steinmetz said the drought hasn't quite effected every crop yet, but it did end the corn season a bit earlier than usual. He said the moderate drought conditions are still a cause for concern in the agriculture industry.
"It's detrimental if they are trying to maintain a large crop of stuff," Steinmetz said. "They've got a have some rain if they don't have another way of watering it."
Steinmetz is not too stressed about his sales right now only because he sources his produce from Amish farmers in southern Kentucky who have their own irrigation system.
"Most guys who have done this for awhile and they kind of prepare for some drought," Steinmetz said.
When it comes to pumpkin crop Steinmetz said they rely heavily on irrigation systems. He said pumpkins still need rain throughout the summer before it hits your table, but depending on how much water it gets can determine the crops size and foliage.
The farm enterprise manager, Billy Cortes, who supplies Haymarket on River Road said there were no signs of low quantity or quality in the store. But on Ashbourne Farm, the source of produce for Haymarket, he said it's a different story and scene.
"Our farm is based out in La Grange, Kentucky," Cortes said. "I would have to say it's probably been weeks since we've gotten a drop of rain it feels like. But yes, we are very much impacted out here."
Cortes said their organic produce are also on an irrigation system but that leaves many acres to the mercy of mother nature.
"So really the four main things are reduced yields, poorer quality, increased cost to the farmer and also a delayed harvest which all come full circle with no rain," Cortes said.
Even as the next harvest may struggle, Cortes said Haymarket will continue to put their best quality on the shelf without any future price changes. Ashbourne Farms said they would love to see a solid two weeks of rain to take the stress off their thirsty crops.
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