Persistent drought conditions are delaying spring planting and causing concern among farmers across Virginia, according to an April 30 report. The U.S. Drought Monitor has classified much of the state as experiencing severe drought, with some southeastern counties facing extreme conditions. The National Weather Service Wakefield Forecast Office said that expected rainfall may not be enough to significantly improve the situation.
The ongoing dry spell is affecting both crop yields and farm operations throughout the region. According to the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, a drought warning advisory now covers 83 counties and 31 cities in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force.
Scott Sink, President of Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, said: “In my lifetime as a grower, I haven’t seen it like this. Planters are sitting still, and there’s no significant rain forecast anytime soon. Combined with the recent frost and high input prices, these drought conditions may have some farmers facing tough choices this season.”
Taylor Hubbard from the Virginia Grain Producers Association said that while corn planting was possible earlier in Central Virginia due to soil moisture, soybean planting had stopped because of last week’s persistent drought: “If we have a little rain in the coming week, I think soybeans will go into the ground. But if we don’t get anything in the next 10 days—reg flags will be flown.” Cotton and peanut growers are also waiting for improved moisture before proceeding.
Gary Cross of Southampton County described this spring as highly unusual for its dryness: “And the worst I’ve ever seen.” He explained he would not risk expensive cotton seed without adequate soil moisture for germination: “If I had a crystal ball, I’d see us planting on through May,” Cross said. He added that late-planted peanuts could face early fall frosts at harvest time.
Jay Hundley from Essex County reported halting his own planting two weeks ago due to dry weather: “My father is 89, and he doesn’t remember it ever being this dry this early either,” he said. Hundley is irrigating his corn and small grains but remains concerned about water salinity levels and struggling hay crops: “There are no beans yet… if it doesn’t hurry up and rain… Some wheat fields are OK… if we get some rain I could make half a crop.” He concluded his strategy for now is simply to “get on my knees and pray.”
Virginia Farm Bureau Foundation AGPAC relies on an annual membership fee of $40 for funding according to its official website. The organization promotes agricultural prosperity to enhance Virginians’ lives according to its official website, focusing on enhancing member success through resources that benefit agriculture according to its official website. It extends operations statewide supporting residents according to its official website and advocates for agriculture in the General Assembly according to its official website. Additionally, AGPAC partners with companies such as Case IH and John Deere so members can save on farm equipment purchases according to its official website.
As many farmers wait out current conditions or rely on irrigation where available—though most cropland lacks irrigation—the outlook depends heavily on future rainfall over coming weeks.
