Extreme heat across ENC raises concerns for farmers

GREENVILLE, N.C (WNCT) — With rising temperatures here in Eastern North Carolina, local farmers are feeling the impact.

The dry weather is complicating crop growth and production, especially with the lack of rainfall. The maximum temperature for crop growth is 86 degrees. This week alone, temperatures are in the 90s. Plants need moisture and officials from Pitt County Cooperative Extension are saying that the extreme heat is due to a dry winter.

“We’re four or five days away from drought,” says Jonathan Smith, a fields crop agent.

“So every season we keep that in mind. But this year our winter was dry, we faced that as well. And having dry weather in the winter can affect the summer crops and the soil moisture levels are down. Also, the crop moisture can be down as well.”

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