Farmers guardedly optimistic as drought eases.
Some farmers are optimistic about this year’s growing season while still feeling the effects of a severe drought late last summer and throughout the fall.
“I’m sleeping OK right now,” said Lawrence County cattle farmer Mitchell Henry.
If it turns into a dry spring and dry summer, I know some wheat and corn farmers who may be a little more nervous.” He said some watering holes went dry last fall but are now recharged.
The U.S. Drought Monitor’s latest figures from Tuesday show Lawrence County, west Morgan County and south Limestone County in the moderate drought range.
The previous week, Lawrence County was listed as abnormally dry.
Moderate drought is the least severe condition, according to the monitor’s scale.
Lawrence County Extension Coordinator Josh Melson said the recent precipitation the county received was scattered, and some parts of the county remain dry.
"That is intensifying the pressure this spring to get their crops in the ground."
If your trees start losing major limbs, that is a cause for concern,” said Taylor Reeder, regional extension agent for home grounds.