Recent rain brings relief, caution for farmers
KNIGHTDALE, N.C. (WTVD) -- Recent rainfall is providing much-needed relief for local farmers after months of severe drought conditions, but growers and water officials alike say more consistent precipitation is needed in the weeks ahead.
Joshua Logan, owner and operator of Grasshopper Farms in Knightdale, said the rain arrived at a critical time as he begins the growing season for his corn crop.
"The recent rain actually fell at the perfect time for us," Logan said.
The rainfall has helped ease concerns that had intensified during the drought. Logan said farmers still need steady rainfall throughout the remainder of the season.
"Ideally, we'd love to have about an inch of rain per week on average through the remainder of the growing season," he said.
Logan has experienced the effects of the drought firsthand. During a visit to his strawberry fields in April, he described the strain dry conditions can place on crops.
"Once you get into multiple weeks of dry weather, that's where the plants really start to experience fatigue," Logan said in April.
While the recent rain has been beneficial, Logan said heavy downpours can create new challenges in the fields.
"The rain has been coming really heavily when it's fallen. So that's always a little bit of a challenge in the fields. It can cause a washout, and we just planted our corn crop," he said.
Local water officials are also monitoring conditions closely.
Ed Buchan, assistant director of Raleigh Water, said water levels at Falls Lake have increased by nearly seven inches over the past two weeks. However, he cautioned that reservoir levels remain well below normal.
"We're going to be watching our water levels for probably the foreseeable future," Buchan said.
He added that recent rainfall has improved conditions but has not eliminated concerns.
"It's still over five feet down below full pool, so we have a long way to go, but it is a positive turn of events, and that we seem to be getting more regular rain," Buchan said.
According to Buchan, continued improvement depends on where rainfall occurs.
"If it rains really anywhere in Raleigh, it's not impacting Falls Lake. But that only happens if it rains in Durham and Granville counties and Northern Wake. So it's a positive sign," Buchan said.
For now, farmers and water officials alike are hoping rainfall continues at a steady pace.
"As farmers, we want it to rain just the right amount at just the right time," Logan said.
Falls Lake's water supply is now at 66%, up from 62% two weeks ago.
