RALEIGH, N.C. — North Carolina farmer worried over incoming heavy rain that could ruin harvest says the uncertain weather forecast could mean the difference between a profitable season and devastating losses. With pumpkins, sweet potatoes, and squash ready for harvest, farmers across North Carolina are bracing for conditions that could destroy months of hard work.
Farmers Fear Crop Rot and Financial Loss
Lisa Penny of Penny’s Produce explained that even a short period of heavy rainfall could have lasting damage.
“We’ll do our best to try and pick and cut as many pumpkins as we can,” Penny said. “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, the concern goes beyond crops to their bottom line. Melissa Austin of LNG Farms said if vegetables stay in the ground too long, they will quickly rot.
“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.”
Soaked Fields Could Halt Harvesting
Beyond crop rot, some farmers face the risk of being unable to harvest at all. Braxton Deal of Lee’s Produce noted that waterlogged fields can make machinery useless.
“You can get a lot of erosion and wash off, and it’ll just carry a bunch of stuff with it,” Deal explained. “When the ground is soggy, you can’t get a tractor through the field. If you try, you’ll get stuck and then need something else to pull it out.”
State Emergency Management on Alert
North Carolina Emergency Management officials confirmed they are monitoring the weather closely. Justin Graney, Chief of External Affairs and Communications, said the agency is preparing for scenarios ranging 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,” Graney said. “We’re talking very closely with our county partners. Staffing at the state emergency operations center will increase depending on what those needs are.”
Officials urged all North Carolinians—not just farmers—to be prepared by:
- Knowing their flood zones
- Signing up for weather alerts
- Having disaster kits ready
- Making household emergency plans
Farmers Race Against Time
For now, farmers say the only solution is to harvest as much as possible before the rain arrives.
“I hope it stays dry, I really do,” Austin said, reflecting the worry shared across farming communities in the state.
Despite the looming forecast, the State Farmers Market in Raleigh remained open Saturday, encouraging customers to visit.
“We’re open today! Most areas are covered, so grab your rain gear and come on out!” officials posted on social media.
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Source: myfox8
Written by: Daniel Olafamoye, Greensboro NC News.
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