RANSOMVILLE, N.Y. (WKBW) — Local farmers are facing one of their toughest seasons in years as drought conditions continue across Orleans, Niagara and Erie counties.
Crops that rely on water, including tomatoes, lettuces and leafy greens, are among the hardest hit.
Jeff Baker of Baker Farm Market in Niagara County says the weather has shaped nearly every part of the season. His apple crop is holding up for now, but he worries about neighboring fields.
"This year has been a little bit of a challenge with the dry weather," said Baker. "Any showers we get from now until the end of the season will definitely help some of the later apples. But I see a lot of corn and soybean fields that are really struggling. They’re really stressed right now."
WATCH: 'Really struggling': Drought strains WNY farms, forcing difficult choices for local growers
Farmers are working around the clock to keep crops alive, often relying on irrigation. But with ponds and streams running dry, growers are paying for hydrant access, adding both financial and labor strain.
Elizabeth Buck, a fresh market vegetable specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, says timing makes the drought even more damaging.
"Crops that have a high water requirement, or those in a vulnerable growth stage, are much more prone to damage," Buck explained. "Farmers are able to bring less product to market, but they're also facing much higher costs of production."
Consumers could notice an increase in farmers market prices. For local growers, the bigger concern is making it through another dry season with thin margins.
