West Virginia's agriculture sector is facing challenges due to the state-wide drought conditions, affecting all 55 counties, with the Eastern Panhandle experiencing extreme drought. The U.S. Drought Monitor highlights the severity of the situation. According to Commissioner Leonhardt, this year's drought in the Eastern Panhandle is one of the worst in over a century, marking a significant departure from the norm for local farmers who are witnessing unprecedented dryness in creeks and farmlands.
At Orr's Farm and Market in Martinsburg, the lack of rainfall has resulted in visibly stressed, unirrigated plants and reduced yields for field crops such as pumpkins, green beans, and corn. General Manager Katy Orr-Dove notes an unusual ripening schedule for the farm's primary crops, peaches and apples, attributed to this summer's extreme heat, disrupting the typical harvest timeline. Despite the recent rain, the drought has notably diminished the size and quantity of the farm's peach harvest.
Forecasted rain from Hurricane Debbie, expected to bring three to five inches to the Eastern Panhandle, may provide temporary relief but is unlikely to reverse the drought conditions. State officials, including Gov. Jim Justice, have initiated preparedness measures for potential rain and flash floods. The state Department of Agriculture, while hopeful, acknowledges that the upcoming rain will not fully alleviate the drought's impact on the agricultural sector.
Source: westvirginiawatch.com
