Concerns from farmers in West Virginia grow as drought continues

LEON, WV (WOWK)– It has been a dry summer, and local farmers are concerned about their produce, livestock and finances.

Martin Schaffer, owner of Four Seasons Farm, says he lost half his blueberry crops and is anticipating a bad apple season. While his blackberries and raspberries have been doing well, it’s because he is running his sprinklers almost constantly.

Other plants in his greenhouse have burned from the sun, and the soil is cracked.

Schaffer’s concerns reach farther than just his produce. when it comes to livestock, the lack of rain has caused a hay shortage. If farmers are unable to get more hay, they would have to reduce their herd.

All of these things can and for some will have devasting effects on local farmers.

What is needed now is a few days of consistent rainfall, to soften the soil, so plants can begin to grow again.

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