Rain brings hope, but challenges from the drought remain for farmers: 'Just starting to flower'

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Much-needed rain across central North Carolina on Thursday brought relief to farmers who have struggled for months with drought conditions, raising hopes that some crops may recover ahead of harvest season.

For Franklin County farmer Travis Nelms, recent rainfall has dramatically changed conditions in his fields compared with earlier this year.

"Patience and hoping the good Lord will look after you," Nelms said.

ABC11 first met Nelms at his Louisburg farm in April when dry, clumped soil covered his fields. Despite the lack of rain, he planted corn and hoped conditions would improve.

The recent rainfall has boosted his outlook.

"Two weeks ago I might not have had a smile on my face or laugh about anything because it's a lot of money and stuff tied up in all this stuff we do," Nelms said.

Thursday's rain soaked fields and crops across the region. Nelms said some of his crops are beginning to show signs of progress.

"These soybeans right here, they're just starting to flower now," he said.

Still, Nelms said the drought may have already affected some production.

"The rain may have been a little late on the corn making a real, real good crop. It looks much better because three weeks ago a month ago, it was about the drought. I mean, it was brown. This field right here was basically almost brown," he said.

While the rainfall provided relief, agricultural experts say drought-related challenges remain.

"There was no hay production in the spring, which is when most of our hay is produced. So we know that the hay crop (...) was actually about 25-50% of the normal expected yield," said Matt Poore, an extension beef specialist with NC State University who also operates a farm.

Poore said farmers should focus on managing their land carefully as they recover from the drought and prepare for future dry conditions.

"Farmers will have to be careful about how they manage those pastures here for the rest of the year, and then into next spring, to make sure that they kind of get back healthy again," Poore said.

Reduced hay production could create additional challenges for livestock producers. Although recent rainfall has improved conditions, farmers said it will take time to determine the full impact on this year's crops, with many looking ahead to October harvests for a clearer picture of the season's outcome.

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