James Brown: a professor in the horticulture department, teaches a hands-on vegetable production class. Some Alabama farmers are worried about their crops weathering the drought. Kyle Cooper / ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
Pools, beaches, laying out and staying cool are words many would use to describe their summer vacation plans. For others, the expected drought brings thoughts of water or lack thereof.
This summer is predicted to be another drought season like last year’s, and Alabama farmers and ranchers are hurting. Many of them must sell their family land or cull their herds just to make ends meet.
“The drought has had an enormous impact on my family and I,” said Cody Horton, a junior in animal science. “Farming and cattle is something that has been in my family for generations and we refuse to give it up, but this drought has definitely made it tougher and tougher every year.”
Many farmers have been hit hard by the past year’s drought and still have loans to pay back for seed, feed, fuel, fertilizer and other necessary purchases.
“Certainly for many of them, this is a make or break year,” said Paul Mask, assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resources. “Last year was such a severe drought that many didn’t even make a crop. It may take four good years to get back on a sound footing to make up for the losses this year.”
Jason Fields, a senior in agricultural business and economics, is partnered with his father in a fourth-generation row crop and cattle farm in Danville. Last year’s drought destroyed their corn and cotton crops.