The oppressive heat wave that has settled over south central Kentucky has made it difficult for farmers to keep their crops healthy.
At Ruby Branch Farms in Simpson County, workers have been watering plants multiple times a day to keep them hydrated. The farm says this has been an extremely difficult growing season after dealing with excessive rain earlier this year, and now scorching temperatures and no rain.
The heat and lack of rain are stressing Laney Snider's crops at Ruby Branch Farms. They are watered more often and treated for diseases that they don't typically see this time of year.
Snider says she is particularly worried about her pumpkin crop. Pumpkins need a lot of water, and the heat is making it difficult for them to get the moisture they need. She is considering bringing in an irrigation system to help keep her pumpkins healthy.
The extreme heat is also making it difficult for farmers to harvest their crops. The heat can make it dangerous for workers to be in the fields, and it can also damage the crops.
Snider said the heat is definitely making things more challenging, but they are doing everything they can to keep their crops healthy and to get them harvested.
The heat wave is expected to continue for the next few days. Farmers are urged to take precautions to protect themselves and their crops from the heat.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem
Categories: Kentucky, Weather