Alcorn County Farmers Hit by Drought, Fuel Costs

Alcorn County farmers are dealing with a dry fall and rising diesel prices that are making work on the land harder and more expensive, the Daily Corinthian reported.

Two Months Without a Good Rain

Local farmers say it has been about two months since the area had a good soaking rain, not counting a shower last weekend. The newspaper reported it is the third fall in a row in which farmers have noticed drought-like conditions that cut into crop yields.

“It makes farming much harder,” one farmer told the paper.

Pastures, Hay and Feed

The dry weather has slowed grass growth in pastures and affected hay supplies. Livestock producers say they are buying hay from outside the area and adding feed supplements, which raises costs, especially with winter ahead.

Fuel Costs and Prices

• Higher diesel prices add directly to the cost of running farm equipment.
• A Mississippi State University Extension agent said crop prices are unlikely to rise because the market is global: “Unfortunately, crop prices are probably not going up.”
• Alcorn County has limited irrigation, so most producers depend on rainfall, and planting dates matter.

Some crops planted earlier in the year are yielding well, the report said.

Where to Get Help

Producers with questions about feed, planting dates or drought planning can contact the MSU Extension office in their county.

Source: Daily Corinthian

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