RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — As farmers across North Carolina head into one of their busiest times of year, an uncertain forecast threatening to bring flooding, wind and heavy rain could mean the difference between profit and loss.
Pumpkins, sweet potatoes and squash are ready for harvest, but farmers worry that too much rain may turn their hard work into waste.
“We’ll do our best to try and pick and cut as many pumpkins as we can,” said Lisa Penny with Penny’s Produce. “But if they sit in the wet dirt, then they could potentially rot. We can lose a crop of pumpkins, and the heavy downpours can also mess up mums and flowers.”
For others, such as Melissa Austin with LNG Farms, the concern is not just about damage, but also financial loss.
“If they’re not harvested quickly, they will sit in the ground and just mold and mildew, just rot,” Austin said. “That’s a total loss of income. That’s devastating for any farmer.”
Too much rain can also cause problems beyond crop harvesting. Braxton Deal, with Lee’s Produce, said soaked fields can make it nearly impossible to harvest at all.
“You can get a lot of erosion and wash off, and it’ll just carry a bunch of stuff with it. And all that water gets in the ground; it’ll make it soggy. You can’t get a tractor or anything through the field. So if you got to go through the field to pick stuff, you’ll get stuck and you got to have something to pull it out,” he said.
It’s not just farmers keeping a close eye on the forecast. North Carolina Emergency Management officials said they’re preparing for multiple scenarios, from a cold front to a possible tropical system next week.
“There is no certainty in the forecast. We should definitely be prepared for heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and gusty winds,” said Justin Graney, chief of external affairs and communications for NC Emergency Management. “We’re talking very closely with our county partners. And as conditions warrant, the posture of the state emergency operations center will change. Staffing will increase depending on what those needs are. As you know, plans are finalized as we go into the weekend and as forecast continue to be refined.”
Emergency officials urge all North Carolinians, not just farmers, to be prepared, but not to panic. That means knowing your flood zone, signing up for weather alerts, and having a disaster kit ready.
“Let’s make sure that we’ve got the right information, that we’re prepared and that we have a plan in place. That’s the best thing we can do to build resilience at home,” he said.
For farmers, the plan is simple: work early and hope for the best.
“I hope it stays dry, I really do,” Austin said.
The State Farmers Market remained open Saturday, as officials said rain could be avoided on their grounds. “We’re open today! Most areas are covered, so grab your rain gear and come on out!” the social media post read.
Source: Fox 8 News Channel
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